"We are working to ensure that no illegal foods are in circulation. If we find such products, we will seize them and halt their sales," BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar told the media at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday night.
He reiterated the agency's commitment to informing the public about food products deemed unsafe after assessments.
In this regard, he urged business entities to comply with regulations, warning them against producing, distributing, or selling food products containing hazardous materials or those past their expiration dates.
Ikrar emphasized that BPOM would not hesitate to take firm action against producers, distributors, and sellers involved in the circulation of expired or hazardous food products, such as those containing formalin, borax, or rhodamine B.
He stated that his agency would enforce the law strictly, with offenders facing potential prison sentences of up to 15 years and maximum fines of Rp5 billion (approximately US$303,000).
"BPOM will take decisive action under these strict laws, as we are a constitutional state agency," he stressed.
Ikrar made these remarks after attending a plenary cabinet meeting with ministers and other state institution leaders at the Presidential Palace.
The meeting, chaired by President Prabowo Subianto, covered multiple topics, including the government's preparations for the annual Eid al-Fitr exodus.
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Translator: Genta T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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