Shine Muscat Grapes from China: Pesticide-Free and Safe for Consumption, Says BPOM

Indonesia has received reassurance on the safety of imported Shine Muscat grapes from China after the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) confirmed they are free from the feared Chlorpyrifos pesticide.

Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, made the announcement during a press conference at the National Food Agency (Bapanas) office on Monday, November 4, 2024. The declaration comes following concerns raised by Thai non-governmental organizations, the Thailand Pesticide Alert Network (Thai-PAN) and the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC), regarding elevated pesticide residue levels in Shine Muscat grapes circulating within Thailand.

Rigorous Testing Confirms Safety

BPOM’s National Drug and Food Testing Center (PPPOMN) conducted rigorous analysis on hundreds of imported grape samples across three key entry points: Jabodetabek, Bandung, and Bandar Lampung. Using a highly sensitive Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MSMS) method, with a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.02 micrograms per kilogram (ug/kg) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) of 0.07 micrograms per kilogram (ug/kg), the laboratory detected no traces of Chlorpyrifos.

“Our laboratory at BPOM has objectively and independently determined that the tested samples are undetected for Chlorpyrifos,” Taruna said.

Taruna emphasized that the testing process involved both qualitative and quantitative analysis. “Traces of residues may be present qualitatively, but quantitatively, they are below the detectable threshold. In essence, they are negligible and can be easily removed through cleaning practices,” he explained.

These findings align with results obtained by Bapanas’ laboratory, further solidifying the safety of imported Shine Muscat grapes for consumption.

Consumer Awareness is Key

While reassuring consumers about the safety of imported Shine Muscat grapes, Taruna urged consumers to exercise caution and make informed choices.

Stay updated on the latest news regarding food safety and regulation from reliable sources like BPOM and Bapanas.

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