Ahead Of Eid, Head Of BPOM Affirms Continue To Check Foods Circulating

JAKARTA - The safety of foods sold in markets, especially ahead of the Eid holiday, continues. This was emphasized by the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) Taruna Ikrar.

Therefore, he warns food producers and business actors not to make food using hazardous ingredients, or to sell food that has passed an expiration date.

"We also make sure that there are no illegal foods in circulation. What is illegal is that we withdraw from circulation, we confiscate, and we carry out intensification at the POM and we announce the results," said Taruna Ikrar when met at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Friday night, reported by ANTARA, Saturday, March 22.

Ikrar also reminded that entering the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr or Eid holidays, BPOM reminded business actors to ensure that the food they sell is safe to consume.

"We really remind entrepreneurs, for food made in packaging, do not expire, or have passed the expiration date," said the Head of BPOM.

He emphasized that BPOM will take action against business actors or food producers who are caught making and selling food that is not safe for consumption, for example, in addition to expired, it also contains dangerous materials such as formalin, bolaks, and rhodamin B.

Ikrar explained that BPOM is guided by two laws, namely Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health and Law Number 18 of 2012 concerning Food to take action against business actors who violate the rules. The perpetrators can be fined up to IDR 5 billion, and are threatened with up to 15 years in prison.

"These two laws are very strong, and the POM will be firm (guided) to the law, because we are state institutions that must implement the law," said Taruna Ikrar.

The Head of BPOM together with the leaders of the institution and the ranks of the Red and White Cabinet attended the Plenary Cabinet Session chaired by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Office, Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Friday afternoon. The activity was then followed by a breaking of the fast together in the middle of the Merdeka Palace.

In the cabinet meeting, one of the main themes discussed the government's readiness ahead of the Eid holiday.