28 Markets in Jakarta Declared Free of Formalin

The Jakarta Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Agency (KPKP) has ensured that food products circulating in 28 markets in South Jakarta are safe for consumption after conducting integrated supervision of various foodstuffs. “For South Jakarta, we carried out inspections at 28 locations, comprising 19 traditional markets and nine supermarkets,” said Head of DKI Jakarta KPKP Hasudungan A. Sidabalok at the South Jakarta Mayor’s Office on Friday (17/7). Hasudungan stated that supervision was conducted at 28 locations consisting of 19 traditional markets and nine modern markets using several testing parameters. He noted that testing was carried out on various food commodities, ranging from fish, poultry, and vegetables to rice. According to him, formalin content remains a concern, particularly in fishery products, as it can endanger public health. “We still often find formalin content in fish products. It is very dangerous and can cause health problems,” he said. In addition to formalin, KPKP also tested for pesticide residues on chillies, which have the potential to exceed safe limits if not used according to regulations. “And no less important, we are often unaware that vegetables like chillies may contain pesticide residues exceeding safe consumption limits. We test for that,” he said. Hasudungan added that his team also tested for bleaching agents, such as chlorine, in rice, which is a staple food. Consequently, the supervision results in South Jakarta indicated that the majority of foodstuffs inspected met food safety standards. “So we ensure that food products consumed by the people of South Jakarta must be safe. The majority, over 98 percent, are categorised as safe food products,” he said.