Blake appealed to the Indonesian people to not worry about the apples from the United States as not all apples from the country are contaminated with those bacteria.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The United States Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake echoed his countrys serious concerns regarding the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria being detected in the apples exported from the United States to Indonesia.

"The United States government is seriously concerned about the imported apple case. The Indonesian government has stopped the import and is handling the problem at the grassroots level," Blake affirmed here on Wednesday, (Jan. 28).

According to Blake, the United States also lauded the Indonesian governments regulations and efforts to stop the distribution of apples that have already reached several regions in Indonesia.

Blake appealed to the Indonesian people to not worry about the apples from the United States as not all apples from the country are contaminated with those bacteria.

"The United States respects the Indonesian governments policy relating to the import of apples. However, not all varieties of apples from the country are dangerous," Blake stated.

The Indonesian Trade Ministry has banned the import of apples from the United States, particularly those packaged at Bidart Bros, Bakersfield, of California due to the detection of the bacteria.

The ministry has banned the distribution and sale of the apples that have arrived in the stores of the importers. In the meantime, the apples that have been distributed to the local markets are also banned from further distribution.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial form that can cause serious infection in infants and adults, particularly among those having low immunity. The bacteria can also cause miscarriage in pregnant woman.

Several local administrations in Indonesia, including Bali, East Java, and Riau Islands, have taken necessary steps to curtail the distribution of the apples by conducting direct inspections and recalling the products.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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