Bangkalan Regency Government Sanctions Supermarkets Selling Expired Food

An officer from the Bangkalan Regency Government Health Service, while recording the findings of expired food and drinks at a supermarket in Bangkalan Regency, East Java, Tuesday (26/4/2022). ANTARA/HO-Bangkalan Health Office

BANGKALAN - The district government (Pemkab) of Bangkalan, East Java, has imposed sanctions on entrepreneurs found selling expired food and drinks during a sudden inspection (sidak) ahead of Lebaran at a number of supermarkets.

"There were three supermarkets that were found selling expired food and drinks when the team carried out an inspection," said Bangkalan Regency Government Health Service Head Sudiyo as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, April 27.

In addition to expiration, the team also found some food and drinks with damaged packaging, and did not have a distribution permit.

The shops found selling expired food and drinks were Tretan Supermarkets, Tom & Jerry's Supermarkets, Indah Supermarkets, and Hyfresh Supermarkets. All in Bangkalan Plaza.

Of the four supermarkets, three were found selling expired food and drinks, and one supermarket was found selling food and drinks in damaged packaging.

"Related to this finding, we have given sanctions to the owner in the form of a written warning, and then the Health Office will re-check it," he said, explaining.

In addition, he continued, the Health Office has also asked shop owners to withdraw all types of food and drinks found to be expired, so as not to harm consumers.

Furthermore, the Head of the Health Office also requested that people who want to buy food and drinks in shops, stalls or grocery stores should pay attention to the expiration date first, because if consumed, it has the potential to cause disease.

"So, first look at the validity period. Every product that has a distribution permit, the validity period must be listed, such as the production date and validity period," he said.