Veterinary Medicine IPB University Student Discussion about Food Borne Disease

Food Borne disease is a health topic that is often forgotten. Though the chance of this disease attacking humans is very high. Food borne disease is a disease caused by contaminated food both biologically, chemically, and physically. Most foods are contaminated by microorganisms in the form of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

The topic of food borne disease is not only the duty of one agency. The concept of one health must be applied. That is, all agencies and groups must work together in the face of food borne disease. The general public must also realize the importance of food hygiene and the surrounding environment.

Unfortunately, public awareness of this is still low. For this reason, the Professional Association (HIMPRO) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) IPB University held a Ruminant Action Project. Taking the theme of Optimizing the One Health Concept in the Prevention of Food Borne Disease, this event is expected to make the public aware of the importance of ensuring cleanliness and safety of food consumed. This event was held at Transmart Yasmin (10/13), and invited two experts in their fields.

Drh Sri Hartati, MSi, Chairperson of the Indonesian Veterinary Public Health Association (Askemaveti) said that food from animals is rich in protein. This also makes it a preferred food. However, behind it all, food of animal origin is a very good place for microbial growth. Every person, explained Dr. Sri, has the potential to be exposed to food borne disease. Every day people eat, and every food has great potential to be contaminated.

Meanwhile according to Dr. drh Herwin Pisestyani, IPB University lecturer from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and researchers in the field of food borne disease, as many as six people died from food borne disease in 2018 in Indonesia. In 2016 there were 61 fatal cases related to this disease. These data support that food borne disease is not a trivial problem.

The cause of the spread of this disease is food that is not cooked thoroughly, food that is left too long in the open, and cleanliness of the culprit who cooks. “Humans can contaminate food by 100-1000 germs per minute,” explained Drh Herwin.

For this reason, it is very important to ensure that the ingredients we eat are safe from pollutants, maintain the condition of the kitchen, separate cooking tools from food from animal origin and other foods, as well as personal hygiene when wanting to cook. “The point is clean living,” said drh. Sri. (RYS)

Keywords: Food Borne Disease, immature food, Professional Association (HIMPRO) Ruminansia, Herwin Pisestyani, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University lecturer, IPB University students