Ajinomoto still sold in Medan

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Some 10 tons of Ajinomoto's monosodium glutamate taste enhancer are still being sold in Medan's markets despite the fact that the deadline for the recall of the product is nearing.

Records made available on Tuesday by the provincial office of the Ministry of Industry and Trade indicated that a total of 27 tons of Ajinomoto's taste enhancer had been distributed in Medan, while only 16.8 tons had been recalled. This means that some 10 tons of the product are still on the market.

The head of sales at Ajinomoto Indonesia, Arianto Ben, said 100 tons of Ajinomoto had been distributed in the province of North Sumatra.

"All of our products will be recalled from the market," he stated, adding that the company had set aside Rp 5 billion to buy back its products.

The Ajinomoto saga began late last year when the Indonesian Ulemas Council declared that the taste enhancer was haram, not allowed according to Islamic law, because pig enzymes were used in the production of the product.

Muslims are not allowed to eat pork or pork by-products. (39/sur)