30 types of poisoned food found in NTT

Yemris Fointuna, Kupang

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Food and Drugs Agency (POM) said on Wednesday it had discovered at least 30 types of contaminated food and soft drinks in shopping centers, kiosks and stalls.

Poisonous substances believed to be used for textile coloring could clinically damage digestive organs and could cause cancer in school age children and young toddlers.

The POM also uncovered the distribution of iodized salt containing borax, a prohibited chemical, usually used for food preservation.

POM head Sally Markus said in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, that the findings followed laboratory tests on at least 35 types of food and soft drinks taken from the shelves.

"Most of the harmful snacks are sold in cafes, stalls and kiosks near schools, and are mostly bought by schoolchildren and toddlers.

"This state of affairs is unhealthy as it could be harmful to the digestive organs of consumers, especially their liver, stomach and intestines," said Sally.

The poisonous substances contained in snacks would not immediately affect a person ingesting them but would be felt a few months later.

Besides the findings, the POM also discovered that formaldehyde, a chemical often used to preserve dead bodies, was used as a preservative for noodles and meatballs that locals ate on a daily basis.

Sally said her agency and East Nusa Tenggara Police were closely monitoring a number of cottage industries suspected of using formaldehyde to preserve their products.

It remains unclear whether the police and other relevant authorities will take action against them.