"During the fasting month, we will step up food and beverage supervision, particularly concerning the presence of hazardous substances such as borax, formalin, or even plastic," BPOM head Taruna Ikrar said on Friday.
He emphasized that increased supervision will cover various food and beverage products, including expired items and snacks commonly consumed to break the fast (iftar).
"We will also intensify monitoring before Ramadan to ensure iftar foods are safe. We want to guarantee that," he said.
Ikrar noted that 76 BPOM technical implementation units (UPTs) across Indonesia will help enhance food and beverage monitoring before Ramadan.
"We have 76 UPTs from Sabang to Merauke, with 6,700 employees working hard for this," he said.
He added that BPOM personnel will conduct on-site inspections at markets, food production facilities, shops, and mini markets to verify the safety of food and beverage ingredients.
"We will go directly to the markets," he said.
Regarding the government's budget efficiency efforts, he assured that BPOM will continue to operate optimally in the interest of public welfare.
"In terms of budget, we are committed to working efficiently. Despite budget limitations, BPOM will function optimally because we believe efficiency is not for individual gain but for the greater good," he affirmed.
"We will ensure its success and comply with the President's instructions," he added.
Related news: Prabowo orders ministers to cut prices of staple goods before Ramadan
Related news: Minister calls for monitoring goods prices ahead of Ramadan
Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
