BBPOM Aceh Intensifies Mentoring for MSMEs to Strengthen Quality and Legality

The Aceh Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BBPOM Aceh) is intensifying mentoring for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region to improve the quality, safety, and competitiveness of processed food products. Muhibuddin, Head of the Certification Team at BBPOM Aceh, stated in Lhokseumawe on Saturday that this effort is being carried out through assistance with Distribution Permit Number (NIE) certification and audits for the Implementation Permit for Good Processed Food Production Practices (IP-CPPOB). He explained that the mentoring does not only focus on fulfilling administrative documents but also helps business operators understand the technical aspects that are the main requirements for obtaining a distribution permit. “We are focusing this mentoring on designing production room layouts that comply with food safety standards. This is crucial to prevent cross-contamination between raw materials, the production process, and finished products, so that safe, high-quality food can be produced that meets the requirements for obtaining a BPOM distribution permit,” said Muhibuddin. Muhibuddin noted that business operators are also being coached on compiling quality manual documents, implementing sanitation and hygiene practices, and understanding the principles of Good Processed Food Production Practices (CPPOB) as the foundation for producing safe and quality food products. BBPOM Aceh hopes that more food business operators in Aceh will successfully obtain a BPOM Distribution Permit Number and implement good production standards. “With a distribution permit and production standards, Aceh’s local food products will not only provide safety assurance for consumers but will also have higher competitiveness to penetrate national and even international markets,” he said. The activity was attended by food business operators from Lhokseumawe City, Bireuen Regency, and North Aceh Regency.