"The goal of the cooperation is to improve MSMEs' capacity in producing safe and quality traditional medicines, cosmetics, and processed food products," Smesco Director Leonard Theosabrata informed in a statement issued on Wednesday.
"This includes bolstering the competitiveness of MSME products within that business sector," he added.
The health and safety of consumer products produced by MSMEs have become the consumer's main consideration during the post-pandemic period, he noted.
Moreover, consumers have become wiser in choosing verified products or products that meet food safety and quality standards, he added.
Hence, cooperation with BPOM is expected to help MSMEs obtain licenses and distribution permits by expediting the Good Processed Food Production Method (CPPOB) by requiring MSMEs, as business owners, to conduct self-audits.
"MSMEs only need to open the website link cppob.smesco.go.id, which contains five main steps for MSMEs to conduct an audit of their production space," Theosabrata explained.
"After filling the self-audit form, MSMEs can further consult with the Smesco SMEs Service Center (PLU) through the WhatsApp (number) 081310786655 to receive further services," he said.
If the form fulfillment score reaches 100 percent, then Smesco PLY will pass the form to BPOM for a survey.
However, if the final score is not yet 100 percent, Smesco PLY will provide alternative solutions to challenges that MSMEs experience, such as helping them to receive renovation financing for facilities and infrastructure, he noted.
The existence of BPOM can bolster the brand position of local traditional medicines, cosmetics, and processed food products by helping MSMEs obtain certification and official distribution licenses.
"Hence, they are able to compete with products from major industry or even international brands," he remarked.
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Translator: M Baqir I A, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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