Hunting for Safe Takjil in Aceh: BBPOM Ensures Fasting Menu is Free of Harmful Substances

BPOM Aceh officers directly inspected the takjil (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Ramadan in Aceh is synonymous with a variety of typical culinary dishes that whet the appetite in every corner of the city. To ensure that the tradition of hunting takjil remains comfortable and healthy, the Aceh Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BBPOM) has tightened supervision of food ingredients and fasting menus circulating in the market.

Head of BBPOM Aceh, Riyanto, emphasized that this step was taken so that the people of the Porch of Mecca could carry out the fasting with peace of mind without worrying about the quality of the food they buy.

"The BBPOM team has just conducted a rapid test at two large culinary centers, namely Pasar Lambaro and Pasar Keutapang, Aceh Besar. The focus of the test is to detect four dangerous substances that are often misused in food," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

Borax & Formalin: Usually found in fried noodles, tofu, and meatballs.

Rhodamin B & Methanyl Yellow: Textile dyes often misused in colored drinks and bright snacks.

The results were very reassuring. Of the 60 samples tested - including fried foods, cincau, and various noodles - all were declared negative for harmful substances. "Thank God, they all meet the requirements and are safe to consume," said Endang Yuliawati, Head of the Food Inspection Team of the BBPOM Aceh.

Although the menu for takjil was declared safe, BBPOM found serious notes on retail distribution facilities. In an inspection in the Aceh Besar area, 38 items of products such as porridge and baby biscuits were found to have expired but were still displayed in the showcase.

The products were immediately destroyed on the spot, and the store managers were given firm guidance to be more thorough in sorting their merchandise stocks.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips: Make a habit of checking CLICK

In addition to conducting field supervision, BBPOM Aceh invites the public to become smart and independent consumers. One of the easiest ways is to apply the KLIK Check method before buying processed food products:

Packaging: Make sure it is in good condition, not dented, or leaking.

Label: Read product information carefully.

Distribution Permit: Make sure the product has an official permit from BPOM or P-IRT.

Expiration: Always check the safe date of consumption.

BBPOM also opens the door for the public to report if they suspect food sold on the market. With the active participation of citizens and strict supervision of officers, public health during the holy month is expected to remain optimal.