Commotion as Residents Take Illegal Onions, IPB University Expert: Dangerous and Can Cause Plant Diseases

The actions of a number of residents who rushed to take illegal onions that had been confiscated became the focus of public attention.

Despite being known for its numerous health benefits, Dr Fitrianingrum Kurniawati, an agricultural expert from IPB University, warns that imported onions that have not passed quarantine pose a risk of spreading dangerous diseases to both plants and humans.

Onions (Allium cepa) belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and are one of the most widely cultivated species in the world. This plant contains various active compounds such as allicin, quercetin, fisetin, and sulfur compounds like diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide.

“Onions have many benefits, including as antioxidants, free radical scavengers, anticholesterol, antimicrobial, and even anticancer agents,” said Dr Fitrianingrum.

However, she emphasized that imported onions that do not undergo quarantine can carry various pests, one of which is the nematode Aphelenchoides fragariae.

“These OPTK can attack local crops and cause significant losses to the national agricultural sector,” explained the lecturer from the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University.

According to her, every imported agricultural product must undergo plant quarantine to ensure that it is free from quarantine pests (OPTK).

“Chemical and heavy metal contamination are also reasons for rejecting imports because they are harmful to health if consumed continuously,” she added.

Dr Fitrianingrum urged the public not to take or consume discarded onions as this violates quarantine regulations. “Illegal onions are unsafe for consumption and have the potential to become a source of new diseases for humans and the environment,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of public awareness regarding food biosecurity, as indiscriminately taking confiscated imported goods could open the door to new plant diseases that threaten national food security. (dh) (IAAS/AVM)