TIMES JAZIRAH, JAKARTA – The nutritionist said that the quality of your food will determine your health. This also goes for all those pilgrims who conducted hajj routine during this season. And this is what Indonesian Hajj Organizing Officials (PPIH) trying to give to them. 

Indonesian Hajj Organizing Officials (PPIH) would like to bring a good fresh food with high quality standard each time they serve it on the table. However, as any other food, all the dishes served has certain life span or time limit.

For this issue, PPIH address the pilgrims to better to take their food not more after 2 hours since it was served for the first time. Though the taste and the color won't change, but no one can guarantee what can happen after you consume those food which was let open more than 2 hours. 

Suviyanto, the Head of Food Services in Daker Madinah, emphasized that there are rules that pilgrims need to pay attention to. Pilgrims must consume the provided meals within the specified time limit. The distributed food should be consumed according to the schedule. If not, the food is at risk of becoming spoiled and potentially affecting the pilgrims' health.

"The food should not be consumed beyond the designated time. On average, the distributed food is safe for two hours. So, if it exceeds two hours from the designated time of receiving the food, it falls into the category of food that is safe to consume," explained Suviyanto.

Why Pilgrims should Get Fresh Food during Their Hajj?

The guy said that it is important for pilgrims to understand this. It is connected to the pilgrims health and condition to do hajj routine. "Avoid consuming spoiled food that may require pilgrims to seek medical treatment or disrupt their worship," he said.

For breakfast, catering companies usually distribute meals to pilgrims from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM AST, with a consumption limit until 9:00 AM AST. For lunch, distribution is done from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM AST, and the consumption limit is until 4:00 PM AST. As for dinner, distribution starts from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM AST, and the maximum consumption limit is until 9:00 PM AST. Do not exceed the maximum limit.

"We have tested it before, and the morning meal that should be consumed by 9:00 AM is no longer suitable for consumption by 12:00 PM," he revealed.

Suviyanto advises pilgrims to pay close attention to the safe time limit for consuming the distributed food. "Once received, it should be eaten immediately to avoid spoilage. We urge all pilgrims to consume the prepared food promptly," he stated.

All the Foods for the Pilgrims has Gone Through Quality Control

Furthermore, he also emphasized that all the food distributed to the pilgrims has gone through a long process and meets the health standards. "Before distribution, catering companies must send samples to us, KKHI, and the sector. If it is confirmed to be safe, then they can distribute it to the pilgrims," he said.

Considering the importance of food intake for the health and well-being of pilgrims during the Hajj, understanding the rules for food consumption is crucial. Indonesian pilgrims are expected to comply with these rules for their comfort during their Hajj routine in Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, pilgrims are also expected to appreciate the efforts and long process carried out by the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Officials (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia in ensuring safety of the food and how the try to meet the healt standard. (*)