Afraid of beef from Ireland

Afraid of beef from Ireland

From Warta Kota

The decision by the Jakarta Cattle Breeding Office to import beef from Ireland is lamentable. Without any consultation or recommendation from competent sources, beef was allowed to be imported from a country which is evidently still not free of the mad cow disease.

The question is: Isn't it similar to importing diseases into Indonesia? Are the officials concerned sure that the beef is free from the mad cow virus?

Frankly, I am afraid the decision makers here might be taking advantage of the situation by colluding with the Ireland's cattle breeders who don't want to suffer losses because they have to annihilate their mad cow virus-infected cattle.

Malpractice during the New Order regime was common. I am not accusing our officials of any wrongdoing, but don't they have the New Order's blood ?

Can't the government supply beef from other parts of Indonesia? If importing beef is necessary, why not import from countries which are free from that virus? Perhaps it costs a little more, but it's better than the cheaper virus-infected beef.

Who would be responsible if it turns out later that the beef was infected with the mad cow virus? No official, until today, has had the courage to say that he would take responsibility.

My other grievance is that I can't be certain if the meat I am buying is not from Ireland as there is no clear labeling of imported meat. I certainly do not want to consume meat imported from Ireland. The Jakarta administration should insist on clear labeling of imported meat so that the people can make their own choices.

NANING

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