TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Food Agency (Bapanas) optimized the operation of mobile laboratory cars to ensure the safety of fresh food for public consumption.

Bapanas Head, Arief Prasetyo Adi, said at Nambangan Market in Surabaya, East Java, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, that food safety is an important concern, besides the availability of food commodities in the market.

"The cars go around to test fresh food commodities. We realize that safety is important in addition to availability," he added.

Mobile laboratories are equipped to test chemical compounds in fresh food. On Saturday, a mobile lab team tested fresh vegetables for pesticide levels, as well as squid, chicken, and fish, finding no formalin content.

East Java Acting Governor Adhy Karyono, who was also present at the market, stressed the importance of frequent mobile lab operations.

"I want this to be conducted regularly so that people can be confident that the food they consume is healthy and safe," he added.

If the mobile lab detects chemical content exceeding the limit in a food item, the provincial government will conduct a more in-depth investigation.

Karyono expressed optimism that the mobile lab testing would raise awareness among local governments.

"Heads of offices, district heads, and mayors now understand very well that food security is not just about availability but also about safety," he concluded.

The activity at Nambangan Market was part of an event to commemorate World Food Safety Day.

ANTARA

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