Govt told to inform public where to buy anthrax-free beef
Govt told to inform public where to buy anthrax-free beef
JAKARTA (JP): In a bid to ease public anxiety following an
outbreak of anthrax in Bogor, the Indonesian Consumers Foundation
(YLKI) demanded on Thursday that the government take decisive
measures in a display of accountability.
The foundation's chairwoman, Indah Suksmaningsih, said in a
statement that it was the government's responsibility to provide
transparent information on markets and slaughterhouses that could
supply anthrax-free beef and goat meat, as well as inform the
public of areas prone to the disease.
"The government -- in this case the Directorate General of
Husbandry at the Ministry of Agriculture and the Directorate
General of Communicable Disease Control and Environmental Health
at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare -- should ensure the
information reaches consumers," Indah said.
She said YLKI, following the controversy over the halal status
of Ajinomoto monosodium glutamate, was concerned about inadequate
guarantees for people to consume safe food, despite the existence
of laws and related regulations regarding the matter.
"In turns out that consumers remain a victim of inadequate
protection," she said.
The anthrax furor escalated after the Bogor health office
confirmed early this week that 20 residents of Hambalang village
in Citeureup district had been infected with the disease. Two of
them died.
The disease spreads through direct skin contact with an
infected animal, by consuming infected meat or by inhaling
anthrax-contaminated air. Symptoms of anthrax include skin
lesions, queasiness, vomiting, high fever and respiratory
problems.
Indah also called on related professionals, particularly
veterinarians, doctors, husbandry and public health experts, to
provide free examination of beef and goat meat.
A quick response is demanded from the House of
Representatives, Indah said, in that it should review all
regulations related to the protection of food consumers.
She further urged consumers to be careful in choosing markets
which sell beef and other meat and join forces in demanding the
protection of their rights.
The head of the Jakarta health office, Achmad Haryadi, said on
Thursday no cases of anthrax had been found in the capital so
far.
He called on the public, however, to see a doctor at a
community health center (Puskesmas) if symptoms of anthrax
developed.
Achmad said a person with the disease could be cured with
antibiotics, but it would be difficult if a person sought medical
treatment too late.
The city husbandry agency has dispatched 520 veterinarians to
conduct medical checks on livestock to be slaughtered on Idul
Adha (the Islamic Day of Sacrifice), which falls on March 5. An
anthrax vaccine is also available at the agency. (amd)