Ramadan month: A concern of street food safety

Standing a chance of going for a walk and enjoying appetizing street foods will really make you on cloud nine. Although there always exists a concern of hygiene, people from time to time can't help giving them a try. In Indonesia, this matter draws a lot of attention when it comes to Ramadan month. As you know, Indonesia is regarded as the largest Muslim nation in the world with 86 percent of population practise Islam. During that month, people have to fast during the daytime, and end a day with fine celebratory meals. Ramadan month, despite considerably contributing to economic development, poses a threat on people's health. It is in the Iftar right after this month that a great wealth of money is spent on food. And, the likely scenario is that Indonesian will be on the verge of being affected by poisonous dishes.

Muslims around the world are fasting in the month of Ramadan. EPA/Bagus Indahono

In a video named Street food safety worrries Indonesians, the streets are crowded with residents and hawkers. The foods are all colorful, which raises the suspicion of clothes dye. Some vendors utilize that kind of chemicals to draw the attention of consumers without taking the society health into consideration. It is alleged by the Indonesian Consumers Organisation that 12 percent of cases in Jakarta are found expired or gone off. That fine is imposed does not prevent the phenomenon.

Colorful street food in Ramanda month 

Therefore, we are recommended to protect ourselves by some small tips provided by Agness Walewinder in 5 Steps To Eat Safely From Street Vendors:

- Dont't drink the water from unknown source.

- Avoid raw vegetable.

- Observe the food in the process of being prepared and cooked. 

- Select busy street vendors.

- Pay a close attention to the tidiness of the warung, cooks or staff.

In conclusion, i still hold the opinion that street food play an important part in this day and age. Not only does it create a myriad of jobs for local inhabitants, but it also serves the function as a delight of people. In addition, it is also street food that show us a lot about a specific culture. 

REFERENCES 

1. Agness, W. (2014, April 23). 5 steps to eat safely from street vendors. eTramping. Retrieved November 3, 2015 from http://etramping.com/eat-safely-from-street-vendors/

2. Devianti, F. (2015, June 19). Food safety a concern as Indonesia observes fasting month. Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved November 3, 2015 from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/food-safety-a-concern-as/1927554.html

3. Street food safety worries Indonesias. (2013, Augus 3). Retrieved November 3, 2015 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbcq-QojGwk