A rapid test shows that muscadine grapes are safe to eat: Bapanas

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has announced that Shine Muscat grapes are safe to eat following a rapid test for pesticide residues conducted by the Regional Competent Authority for Food Safety (OKKPD).

The test showed results that meet food safety standards.

“The results of the rapid test show that Muscat grapes circulating in the market are safe for consumption,” Yusra Egayanti, Bapanas’ acting deputy for consumption diversification and food safety, said in a statement from her office on Thursday.

Egayanti noted that the rapid test was carried out in almost 100 districts and cities in Indonesia. The results showed that 90 percent were negative and 10 percent contained residues in safe levels, making them safe for consumption.

“We are still sending some samples to the laboratory to confirm their content,” Egayanti said.

Earlier, Bapanas chief Arief Prasetyo Adi said he would conduct further investigations into media coverage of Shine Muscat grapes in Thailand.

His side also called on the OKKP and the provincial OKKPD to tighten supervision over the safety of fresh products on the market.

“Based on this direction, we will continue to strengthen surveillance of the safety of fresh food circulating in the community through sampling and periodic laboratory testing,” Egayanti said.

The case came to light when Thailand reported that Shine Muscat grapes imported from China were found to contain pesticide residues exceeding safe limits.

Although a rapid test in Indonesia showed positive results, Bapanas reminded the public to apply best practices before consuming grapes, including selecting grapes with a distribution permit and washing them with clean running water before consumption.

On the other hand, Bapanas is also increasing its promotion of local fruit consumption.

Bapanas Food Consumption Diversification Director Rinna Syaval highlighted the benefits of local fruits, including their freshness and quality.

“Local fruit doesn’t have to travel far before it gets to the consumer, so it’s fresher and has a more distinctive flavor,” she said.

Syawal stressed that the directive on consumption of local fruits is in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 81 of 2024 on accelerating food diversification based on local resource potential.