DENPASAR

Center for Food and Drug Administration (BBPOM) Denpasar, Bali, found a number of processed food products containing hazardous materials after a sample test in Sindu Market, Sanur.

“After going through laboratory testing, we found three positive food products that contain harmful chemicals which contain rhodamine-B,” said Head of BBPOM Denpasar, Endang Widowati, on Tuesday (10/06/2015).

Three food products containing rhodamine-B were ‘jaja uli’, ‘jaja begina’ and shrimp paste from 50 samples taken for testing.

BBPOM Denpasar mini laboratory test was held at the gate of Sindu Market, preceded unannounced inspections by taking 50 samples of processed food products suspected of containing chemicals.

Officers were targeting suspected foods contain harmful chemicals such as food dye rhodamine-B and methanyl yellow and preservative food like formaldehyde (a preservative which is normally used for a corpse) and borax.

The food products are chicken and fish, various forms of traditional snacks, crackers, cakes and spices such as shrimp paste.

“Food is considered positive for hazardous materials that will change color when tested. While the color is not changed or clear means negative,” she added.

The officer then banned three products from several vendors that sell products contain hazardous materials.

Traders who sell dangerous products were then being coached and further supervised by the local market manager.

Test samples of the food ingredients are part of the Secure Market program of the Hazardous Materials BBPOM held since 2013 in the four markets into the revitalization program of the government, those are  Sindu Market, Agung Market, Intaran Market and Public Market of Gianyar each month.