BPOM: Indomie Special Chicken Flavor Is Safe To Consume Although It Is Prohibited In Taiwan

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA – The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) issued an official statement regarding the status of instant noodles from Indonesia which were withdrawn from circulation in Taiwan because they were suspected of containing residue of the pesticide Ethylene Oxide (EtO).

It was explained that Taiwan's health authorities prohibit the content of EtO in food. Meanwhile, the Indomie Rasa Ayam Special product contains 2-CE levels of 0.34 ppm in the seasoning.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has set a 2-CE Maximum Residue Limit (BMR) of 85 ppm through the Decree of the Head of BPOM Number 229 of 2022. This is in accordance with the standards in force in a number of other countries, such as America and Canada.

"Therefore, in Indonesia, these instant noodle products are safe for consumption because they have met the safety and product quality requirements before being distributed," BPOM said in a release today, Thursday, April 27.

Furthermore, until now the world health organization (WHO) and the World Food Organization (FAO) have not regulated the maximum residue limit for EtO. Some countries still allow the use of EtO as a pesticide.

Therefore, BPOM encourages socialization/training on a regular basis to associations of business actors and exporters of food products, including exporters to Taiwan, related to the latest regulations that apply in export destination countries.

"To PT Indofood as the producer of Indomie to maintain the safety, quality and nutrition of processed food products and ensure that the products meet the requirements of export destination countries. Then, ensure the handling of raw materials used so that they are not contaminated with EtO," said BPOM.

"BPOM continuously monitors and supervises to protect public health and ensure products are safe for consumption. BPOM urges the public to always be smart consumers in choosing food products," the report concluded.