Indonesia Increases National Standards and Quality Infrastructure

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia, through the National Standardization Agency (BSN), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food safety by advancing standards development and enhancing the national quality infrastructure. The commitment was conveyed in conjunction with World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7.

Acting Head of BSN, Yustinus Kristianto Widiwardono, said that the theme of World Food Safety Day 2026, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” encourages all stakeholders to use data, science, and evidence as the foundation for taking action to prevent food safety risks.

According to him, a better understanding of food safety risks will help ensure the implementation of appropriate solutions to prevent foodborne diseases and guarantee access to safe food for everyone.

"This theme encourages us to use data, science, and evidence as the basis for action. By understanding existing risks, we can implement more effective solutions to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that safe food is available for all," Kristianto said in a statement on Sunday June 7, 2026.

His remarks are in line with findings from the World Health Organization (WHO), which warns that unsafe food remains a serious threat to global public health. In its latest report released in conjunction with World Food Safety Day 2026, WHO estimated that contaminated food causes approximately 866 million cases of illness and 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year.

Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable group. Although they account for only around 9 percent of the global population, they suffer nearly one-third of all foodborne illnesses, particularly diarrhea, which can be fatal.

Beyond its health impacts, unsafe food also imposes significant economic costs. In 2021, foodborne diseases resulted in an estimated US$310 billion in global productivity losses due to missed work caused by illness.

Kristianto emphasized that food safety is a shared responsibility involving producers, businesses, governments, and consumers alike. He noted that the implementation of standards and a culture of quality are key to building a safer and more trustworthy food system.

"BSN will continue to support the realization of food safety through the development of Indonesian National Standards (SNI) and the strengthening of the national quality infrastructure," he stated.

WHO has also warned that changing consumption patterns, the globalization of food trade, climate change, and growing antimicrobial resistance could further increase the risk of food contamination. Therefore, strengthening standards, oversight, sanitation, and cross-sector collaboration remains essential to ensuring safe food for everyone, everywhere.