North Jakarta Administration monitored a number of markets to ensure the foodstuff stock, price stability, and food security ahead of Christmas and New Year.

North Jakarta Assistant of Economy and Development, Wawan Budi Rohman said monitoring was carried out to ensure that the public obtains food that is safe, high quality, and affordable.

"Ensure that the public is protected and check the prices of basic necessities, especially at Koja Baru Market," he said, Tuesday (12/16).

Wawan ensured that the availability and security of various food commodities, from the agricultural sector such as chilies and onions, livestock including chicken and beef, to the fisheries sector, are in a safe condition.

He acknowledged that there had been price increases for several commodities. However, he assessed that these increases were still within reasonable and controllable limits.

"On average, stocks are safe. Prices have indeed increased, but not significantly and remain under control," he added.

He appealed to the public not to worry about the availability of basic necessities ahead of the end of the year and to continue shopping at traditional and modern markets that are supervised by the government.

Head of North Jakarta Food Security, Maritime and Agriculture Sub-agency, Novy Christine Palit stated this monitoring of the quality and safety of fresh food is a routine activity, especially in the lead up to National Religious Holidays.

According to her, the supervision was also held at Superindo Metro Sunter, Tanjung Priok District, and also Pluit Market, Penjaringan District.

"This activity is a preventive measure to protect consumers from the circulation of food that does not meet safety and quality requirements," she stated.

Supervision was carried out by taking food samples and laboratory testing for formalin content, pesticide residues, chlorine, and initial spoilage tests (EBER).

"We collected 33 agricultural samples, six livestock samples, and 24 fisheries samples from three locations. All results were negative, meaning they contained no hazardous materials," she explained.