Although the Food and Drugs Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has conducted raid often times, food containing harmful substances are still found. In a raid held in Jaya Cibubur Market, East Jakarta, Monday (7/21), BPOM found four types of food containing formalin, rhodamin B, and borax.

When (the market) checked, we found tofu and wet noodles containing formalin as well as chips containing rhodamin B and borax. These substances are very harmful to be consumed

“When (the market) checked, we found tofu and wet noodles containing formalin as well as chips containing rhodamin B and borax. These substances are very harmful to be consumed,” stated Head of Jakarta BPOM, Dewi Prawitasari, Tuesday (7/22).

According to Prawitasari, the checking done was aiming raw and fast food traders. It is conducted because Jaya Cibubur Market has been named as pilot market in Jakarta. But unfortunately, food containing harmful substances are still found were still found there.

“We’ve done monitoring in Jaya Cibubur Market since last year. Until now, the market still cannot be said safe from harmful substances. Thus, we ask East Jakarta Health Department to cooperate with PD Pasar Jaya to educate the traders not to sell food containing preservatives and other harmful substances,” she said.

In addition, Prawitasari urged the residents to be more careful when buying food products. Do not just look on their prices, but pay attention to the safety aspects as well.

“For example, if the fish was surrounded by flies, it means the fish is good. And, do not get too excited if the meatballs were long-lasting. That means those meatballs contain preservatives,” she told.