TOBA, kiprahkita.net - Ahead of the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) celebrations, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) through its local branch in Toba Regency has intensified monitoring in several traditional markets, including Laguboti Market and Balige Market.
"This activity is conducted in coordination with the Health Office, Trade Office, Communication and Information Office, and the local government. The results of this monitoring will be further discussed with the local government to determine appropriate follow-up actions," stated Tumiur Gultom, S.Farm, Apt, Head of the BPOM branch in Toba Regency, during a monitoring visit at Balige Traditional Market on Friday (December 20, 2024).
Tumiur Gultom also urged the people of Toba Regency to become smart consumers by always checking food products before purchasing.
BPOM introduced the "Ceklik" concept as a guideline, emphasizing checking the packaging, labels, distribution permits, and expiration dates to ensure the food consumed is safe and of good quality.
"Consumers should be vigilant, especially regarding food sold in traditional markets. Pay attention to the physical appearance, texture, smell, and taste to prevent the consumption of products that do not meet safety standards," she advised.
Additionally, BPOM encouraged business operators in Toba Regency to comply with regulations when distributing and selling food products, not only during the Nataru celebrations but also in general.
The synergy between the government, business operators, and the public is expected to maintain food safety in Toba Regency.
Beyond the intensified monitoring for Nataru, such inspections are part of BPOM's routine activities during major celebrations like Eid.
This year, inspections were conducted at various distribution facilities, including minimarkets, supermarkets, wholesalers, shops, stalls, and traditional markets in Toba Regency.
The primary focus of this monitoring is on high-risk food products, such as those lacking distribution permits, damaged items, or expired goods. The aim is to ensure that food products available in the market remain safe and of high quality, protecting public health.
BPOM also followed up on the Public Consultation Forum (FKP) held in October by conducting product sampling and testing in traditional markets.
The tests targeted products suspected of containing harmful substances like formalin, borax, Methanyl Yellow, and Rhodamine B, which are banned preservatives and colorants.
"From the monitoring results, some distribution facilities complied with regulations, while others did not. Non-compliance often stemmed from the absence of distribution permits, damaged conditions, or expired products," Gultom explained.
For non-compliant facilities, BPOM provided guidance or issued warnings to business operators. Products that did not meet standards were either confiscated, destroyed, or returned to distributors, as agreed upon by BPOM and the operators.
"If testing reveals the presence of harmful substances, BPOM advises business operators to cease selling such products. Additionally, operators are urged to switch distributors and be more selective in choosing food products for sale," Gultom concluded. (mctoba)
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