Problematic beef<\/p>\n
Beef from the United States has been permitted to enter
\nIndonesia, despite the possibility that it is contaminated with
\nmad-cow disease.<\/p>\n
The mass entry of imported beef from the U.S. could mean that
\nthe public might be faced with a lot of problematic beef in
\nmarkets across the country.<\/p>\n
At present, some 48 containers of beef are awaiting a decision
\nfrom Indonesia's agriculture ministry and quarantine board.<\/p>\n
The rationale for the directorate general of customs and
\nexcise to reject or permit the entry of imported beef products
\nhas been quite simple.<\/p>\n
It said the beef products were safe because they were sent to
\nIndonesia before mad-cow disease was detected in the U.S. on Dec.
\n24, last year.<\/p>\n
The question now is why is the directorate general so sure
\nabout the safety of beef from the U.S., just because it entered
\nIndonesia before the disease broke out? Did the U.S. guarantee
\n100 percent that the beef was not contaminated?<\/p>\n
It is possible that the beef is contaminated because the
\nincubation period of mad-cow disease is six months.<\/p>\n
It will only be known in the next four years whether or not
\nbeef from the U.S. that has been in circulation in the past two
\nyears is contaminated.<\/p>\n
Thus, on behalf of the government, the agriculture ministry,
\nFood and Drug Supervisory Body and directorate general of customs
\nand excise should take a resolute stance with regard to imported
\nproducts that might endanger Indonesian consumers.
\n-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/problematic-beef-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}