Bad parcels

Bad parcels

From Neraca

A few days before Lebaran I received several parcels from my colleagues. Each parcel cost more than Rp 100,000 and contained different sorts of food stuff. Some parcels were packed with crockery and silk sarongs.

However, a lot of the imported food did not have an expiry date on their packages which disappointed me. Neither did they bear the importers' names. The containers were very nice. The chocolate tin, for instance, was very attractive and could be used for storing food. But what about the contents? I found biscuits with a thin layer of chocolate on top of them. Sadly enough, they tasted horrible and even our small child did not like them.

I came to the conclusion that many parcels contain "rubbish" -- unspecified imported goods. I don't blame my colleagues for sending such parcels, as they were unaware of the quality of the parcels.

I appeal to the authorities concerned to exercise tighter supervision over imported food and lawful action should be taken against parties guilty of illegally importing food stuff. People should be careful and critical when buying parcels for gifts. Do not be tempted by beautiful packaging. It would be much better if the parcels contained domestically produced goods.

MUHAMMAD TAN

Bogor, West Java