30 types of poisoned food found in NTT

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.