BPOM provides food safety certificates to eight schools in HSU

Amuntai, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has awarded eight schools in North Hulu Sungai (HSU) District, South Kalimantan, safety certificates for school children's snack (PJAS).

“Eight schools received PJAS certificates is to assure that snacks food in schools do not contain dangerous substances,” said Head of HSU Education and Culture Service Jumadi in Amuntai, Tuesday.

The eight schools were MTSN 2 Amuntai, MIN 9, SDN Baruh Tabing, SDN Sungai Malang 4, SDN Paliwara, SDN Murung Sari 1, SDN Murung Sari 2, and SDN Kota Raja.

“We have to ensure that food and snacks at schools are safe, because almost 50 percent of students' food intake is the school environment,” he pointed out.

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In several regions in Indonesia, he said, there are school snacks contain dangerous substances circulating and are consumed by students.

It was the reason that Banjarmasin BPOM collaborated with regional government in 13 districts and cities in South Kalimantan to intervene in schools through socialization and technical guidance on food safety, mapping school canteens, empowering food safety cadres, and giving awards to schools that are committed.

Providing PJAS certificates and intervention activities are part of BPOM's efforts to maintain food quality in South Kalimantan, especially in schools.

He hopes the awarding of eight schools can motivate other schools to achieve food safety for students at school.

“I want schools to commit to carry out food safety program in North Hulu Sungai,” said Jumadi.

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