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