KKP Strictly Prohibits Fish Formalin, Products are Immediately Pulled until Threatening to Close the Shop

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) prohibits the use of formalin in fishery products.

KKP is preparing sanctions if violations are found in the field.

Head of the KKP Marine and Fishery Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency Ishartini said that products indicated to use formalin would be immediately withdrawn and not allowed to be traded.

He said, this had happened in one of the markets in Central Java.

"It has indeed happened in one place in Central Java, we communicate, we coordinate with the local government as the responsible party for traditional markets, the product is withdrawn and should no longer be traded. In fact, one of the markets in Central Java is now closed for stall sales, at that time it was anchovy rice," said Ishartini in a press conference at the KKP office, Jakarta, Thursday, February 19.

Based on the results of KKP checks leading up to Ramadan 2026 to date, no fish containing formalin has been found.

Ishartini stated that his party routinely carried out socialization to traders and suppliers so that they no longer use these dangerous materials.

Ishartini again emphasized that every finding would be immediately followed up with product withdrawal and increased supervision so that market managers would be more disciplined in receiving and selling fish products for public consumption.

"So, the firm action is like that. So, the product must be immediately withdrawn and then we communicate with the place manager to be more disciplined in terms of receiving or selling fish products for consumption," he said.

According to Ishartini, supervision by the KKP is carried out from upstream to downstream by involving various parties, including the BPOM, provincial governments, regencies/cities to the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD).

In the upstream sector, supervision is carried out from the process of catching and cultivation.

The handling of fish on board the ship is supervised and tested for quality during dismantling, including sampling to ensure quality is maintained.

Meanwhile, in the downstream sector, supervision includes the selection and processing of quality fish in traditional and modern markets. Marketing facilities are also monitored, accompanied by sampling and testing.

"From the results that were carried out yesterday in several technical implementation units (UPT), this quality monitoring is carried out at fish processing sites, modern markets, traditional markets, taking samples and testing fresh fish. Then, the results show that the fish are sold there in a safe condition to be consumed," he explained.