By Natural Product Chemistry and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran
Sumedang, Wednesday, 7 August 2024
Contributes to the following SDGs:
#SDGs2 #SDG3 #SDGs4 #SDGs8 #SDGs11
Healthy food is needed by the body to maintain organ function and ensure its performance. In general, foods classified as healthy foods contain a variety of nutrients. The requirements for a healthy diet (renamed the 4 healthy 5 perfect diet, replaced by the Balanced Nutrition Guidelines/PGS) include cleanliness, good nutrition, and a balanced diet. A balanced healthy diet includes foods containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins. Nutrient intake for the body can be obtained from a variety of healthy foods, not limited to just one type. In fact, it is recommended to consume a diverse menu to support growth and development. Consuming a variety of foods can provide different nutrients, ensuring the body’s nutritional needs are met. Healthy food should provide a variety of nutrients in adequate amounts, including minerals and vitamins.
To implement the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, in line with our Community Service program, we conducted a socialization on “Recognizing Foods and Snacks Containing Preservatives” at MI Ibrahim Ulul Azmi School in Bandung Regency. The purpose of this activity was to educate the public on recognizing foods that should not be consumed, especially by children.
Based on this urgency, it is deemed necessary to conduct outreach on how to recognize foods containing preservatives circulating in the public. This knowledge can improve the health and safety of foods containing dangerous preservatives. Therefore, we are conducting outreach on foods containing borax, formaldehyde, and several other preservatives that are dangerous when added to food at MI Ibrahim Ulul Azmi School in Bandung Regency. The stages of this PKM activity will include obtaining permission from the Madrasah Principal to conduct the outreach, preparing materials, implementing the outreach, and evaluating the results of the activity. From these activities, it is hoped that children will understand what healthy food is and recognize foods that contain added preservatives that are harmful to the body.
Problem Formulation
From the results of the situation analysis, the following problems emerged:
- What is healthy food and what is unhealthy food?
- How to recognize foods containing dangerous preservatives?
- How to maintain a healthy and strong body
Purpose and Objectives of the Activity
Therefore, in carrying out this Community Service activity, the aim is to provide knowledge and insight to MI Ibrahim Ulul Azmi school children so they can be more careful in selecting and consuming food or snacks, thereby avoiding the risk of dangerous diseases caused using food preservatives.
The objectives of this activity are:
- To provide knowledge about healthy food.
- To provide knowledge about additives.
- To provide knowledge about how to identify foods containing preservatives.
- To provide knowledge about natural food preservatives.
- To provide knowledge about the limits of preservative use in food.
- To provide education on the importance of a healthy and strong body.
Benefits of Activities
From the results of this Community Service activity, it is hoped that there will be an awareness of the importance of healthy food for oneself, greater concern for health and the environment in the community, so that children will pay more attention and be careful in consuming food/snacks around them.
25/Kim/2025
