Rachmat Gobel Calls on Importers to Join Associations
2 February 2015 19:48 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel has called on fruit importers to join associations to ease the government’s supervision. Rachmat asserted that Granny Smith and Gala apples should be recalled from the market.
On Monday, January 26, 2015, the government imposed bans on both apple variants, which were produced by Bidart Bros in California, the United States. The products were allegedly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria harmful to humans.
The association in tandem with the Trade Ministry and the Food and Drugs Monitoring Agency (BPOM) have inspected several areas in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Greater Jakarta) to ensure the safety of imported fruits.
The Bogor Industry and Trade Agency has recalled both apple products following the finding of the bacterial contamination. However, the agency has yet to confirm that both products are from Bidart Bros, Bakersfield, California.
TIKA PRIMANDARI