Peningkatan Kesadaran akan Dampak Negatif Monosodium Glutamat dan Adiktif Pengawet dalam Pangan: Pendekatan Edukatif untuk Perlindungan Pertumbuhan dan Perkembangan Anak melalui Program Pengabdian Masyarakat

Sari

ABSTRAK

Monosodium Glutamat (MSG) dan bahan pengawet banyak digunakan dalam makanan olahan untuk meningkatkan rasa dan memperpanjang umur simpan. Meskipun dinyatakan aman oleh beberapa badan pengawas, konsumsi berlebihan dapat berdampak buruk bagi kesehatan, terutama anak-anak yang sedang berkembang. Dampak negatifnya antara lain gangguan neurokognitif, obesitas, dan risiko penyakit kronis. Oleh karena itu, penting untuk meningkatkan kesadaran orang tua mengenai bahaya MSG dan bahan pengawet bagi kesehatan anak-anak. Program Pengabdian Masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk mengukur perubahan kesadaran dan perilaku orang tua mengenai penggunaan MSG dan bahan pengawet pada makanan anak sebelum dan sesudah penyuluhan edukatif di KB RA Zainun Nafi Montessori School, Singosari, Malang. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan desain pre-post test, melibatkan 26 orang tua/walimurid sebagai responden. Data dikumpulkan melalui kuesioner yang diisi sebelum dan sesudah penyuluhan. Penyuluhan difokuskan pada dampak kesehatan MSG dan pengawet serta alternatif pola makan sehat. Penelitian menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan dalam kesadaran dan perubahan perilaku orang tua. Sebelum penyuluhan, 61,54% responden menganggap MSG aman, namun setelah penyuluhan hanya 19,23% yang setuju. Kebiasaan memberi makanan instan menurun, dan penggunaan MSG dalam memasak berkurang drastis. Selain itu, keputusan untuk membeli makanan bebas MSG dan bahan pengawet meningkat dari 23,08% menjadi 80,77%. Penyuluhan ini berhasil meningkatkan kesadaran dan perilaku orang tua dalam memilih makanan yang lebih sehat, mengurangi penggunaan bahan tambahan berbahaya, dan mendukung pola makan yang lebih aman bagi anak-anak.

Kata Kunci: Monosodium Glutamat, Bahan Pengawet, Penyuluhan, Kesehatan Anak, Pengabdian Masyarakat, Pola Makan Sehat.

ABSTRACT

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and preservatives are commonly used in processed foods to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Although deemed safe by various regulatory bodies, excessive consumption can have negative health effects, particularly for children who are still developing. These effects may include neurocognitive disorders, obesity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among parents about the potential dangers of MSG and preservatives to children's health. This Community Service Program aims to measure changes in parental awareness and behavior regarding the use of MSG and preservatives in children's food before and after an educational intervention at KB RA Zainun Nafi Montessori School in Singosari, Malang. This study uses a quantitative approach with a pre-post test design, involving 26 parents/guardians as respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires filled out before and after the educational intervention. The intervention focused on educating parents about the health impacts of MSG and preservatives and providing alternatives for healthier eating habits. The study showed a significant increase in awareness and behavioral change among parents. Before the intervention, 61.54% of respondents considered MSG safe, while after the intervention, only 19.23% agreed. The habit of giving instant food decreased, and the use of MSG in cooking significantly reduced. Furthermore, the decision to purchase MSG-free and preservative-free foods increased from 23.08% to 80.77%. The educational intervention successfully increased parental awareness and behavior in selecting healthier foods, reducing the use of harmful additives, and supporting safer eating habits for children.

Keywords: Monosodium Glutamate, Preservatives, Educational Intervention, Children's Health, Community Service, Healthy Eating Habits.