BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – Currently, a healthy lifestyle is becoming a trend in society. Many are starting to realize the importance of eating healthy foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle by exercising.
This can be used as a business opportunity, especially for those who have a concern for health, including through the healthy food business.
In addition to maintaining health, starting a healthy food business can build the economy by mobilizing various sectors, including the agricultural sector, distribution supply chain, and food processing industry.
Teacher of Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Engineering Universitas Pasundan who is also Head of Unpas Community Service Institution (Lembaga Pengabdian Masyarakat, LPM) Dr. Ir. Asep Dedi Sutrisno, MP. Said that food is a primary need which, if not processed properly, has the potential to cause disease.
He reviews that the occurrence of health food-based business helps strengthen the five principles of healthy lifestyle: one of which is to consume healthy food proportionally.
“The main characteristic of healthy food is safe for consuming, so there will be no side-effect to the body. If the business goes well, it has already had PIRT permit,” he said on Friday, 19 August 2022.
Choosing Either Fresh of Processed Food
People are faced by the options of either fresh or processed food from animal and vegetable food sources. However, Asep reminded the public not only to enjoy the delicious food or drink, but also to consider the health aspect.
Choosing healthy foods, he continued, means controlling the entry of harmful toxins into the body. For example, cancer-causing carcinogenic substances, cholesterol in fried foods, and others.
“Keep in mind, fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits are also not necessarily safe. I once checked 100 samples of vegetables, only 40 percent passed and the rest were indicated to contain pesticides. Be careful, because what is sold in markets and supermarkets does not guarantee that it is free of pesticides,” he added.
Meanwhile, processed food was distinguished based on culinary and industry food. Culinary foods tend to be perishable, has small-scale production and is not packed properly (according to the recommended standards). This type of processed food is widely developed by the community.
“In terms of industry food, it is much more durable, packed according to the standards, has labels and brands, available information about the manufacturer, expiration date, composition, halal certification, and nutrition facts or information on nutritional values. It is up to the people to choose which one,” he explained.
He emphasized that it is not hard for young entrepreneurs who want to develop a business in the healthy food sector as long as they are accompanied by motivation to make food that is not only healthy, but also proportional.
“The community has tremendous potential, so please develop it because the opportunity is also very good. I invite young people to build the principle of healthy lifestyle by making a healthy food business. If it is consumed by consumers and brings benefits, it will be a reward for us,” he concluded. (Reta)**
