North Sumatra PON Committee sends food security team for monitoring

The Central Committee of the XXI National Sports Week (PB PON) in North Sumatra has initiated a food security program to ensure the safety and quality of the food served to athletes during the 2024 PON. This initiative reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards for athlete welfare and food safety.

Key Points:

1. Food Security Monitoring:
   • Objective: The food security team, led by Ilham Syahril Nasution, is tasked with ensuring that the food provided to athletes is free from harmful substances.
   • Daily Checks: The team conducts daily visits to athletes’ hotels to test food samples for toxic substances.
2. Testing Parameters:
   • Substances Tested: Key tests include checking for cyanide, arsenic, nitrite, formalin, borax, methanyl, and pork contamination.
   • Focus on Toxicity: Cyanide and arsenic are specifically highlighted due to their potential to cause food poisoning.
3. Food Safety Procedures:
   • Sample Testing: Food samples are collected and tested both at the location and in dedicated labs.
   • Nutritional Checks: While the food security team focuses on safety, a separate team is responsible for evaluating nutritional content.
4. Vendor Accountability:
   • Warnings and Contracts: The Head of Consumption Division, Dedi Jaminsyah Putra, has issued warning letters to vendors for any negligence, such as late food deliveries. Failure to comply may lead to contract terminations.
5. Food Provision Management:
   • Organizational Responsibilities: PB PON is responsible for food services for the organizing committee, sports support staff, volunteers, media, and VIPs. The food for athletes and officials is managed by hotels providing accommodation.

Background:

This proactive approach in food security aims to prevent any potential health risks for athletes and ensure a smooth and successful event. Addressing issues like late food deliveries and ensuring food safety are crucial for maintaining the integrity and smooth operation of the 2024 PON in North Sumatra.

The North Sumatra PON Committee has deployed a dedicated food security team to ensure that the food served to athletes during the 2024 National Sports Week (PON) is safe and free from contaminants. Here’s a summary of the key aspects:

Food Security Measures:

• Objective: The team’s primary goal is to ensure that athletes’ food is free from toxic substances such as cyanide, arsenic, nitrite, formalin, borax, methanyl, and pork.
• Daily Monitoring: Food samples are tested daily at athletes’ hotels to check for harmful elements and contaminants.
• Key Tests: Special attention is given to cyanide and arsenic due to their severe health risks.

Oversight and Accountability:

• Vendor Evaluation: Vendors are monitored for compliance, with the possibility of contract termination for repeated negligence or issues such as late deliveries.
• Nutritional Checks: While the food security team handles safety tests, nutritional evaluations are performed separately by designated officers.

Food Provision Responsibilities:

• PB PON’s Role: PB PON oversees food services for the organizing committee, support staff, volunteers, media, and VIP guests.
• Hotel Responsibility: Hotels are in charge of providing food for athletes and officials.

This initiative highlights the commitment to athlete safety and event quality, addressing potential food-related issues proactively to ensure a successful and healthy competition.