BBPOM Mataram Discovers Two Iftar Foods Containing Borax

The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BBPOM) in Mataram discovered two takjil samples that tested positive for borax. The food items were found during inspections of three culinary centres in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

Yogi Abaso, Head of BBPOM Mataram, stated that a total of 75 takjil samples were tested. The food samples included wet noodles, crackers, fried snacks, cakes and other items. From rapid testing, two samples – yellow noodles and crackers – tested positive for borax.

“We conducted inspections at the Pagutan culinary centre, Majapahit Street and at Taman Udayana. We collected 75 samples suspected of containing hazardous substances such as rhodamine, formalin, borax and methanyl yellow. After rapid laboratory testing, two samples, namely yellow noodles and crackers, tested positive for borax,” said Yogi during a visit to the Pagutan culinary centre on Friday (27 February 2026) afternoon.

He explained that the two findings came from different locations, specifically from the Taman Udayana area and Majapahit Street. Meanwhile, inspection results from the Pagutan culinary centre were declared safe.

Regarding the findings, Yogi urged the public to be more careful when purchasing iftar foods. He explained that foods containing borax have certain characteristics.

“For example, with wet noodles, noodles containing borax have certain characteristics, namely they do not spoil within two days. As for crackers, after eating they usually give a bitter sensation and remain crispy even when removed from their packaging,” he explained.

Yogi also reminded the public to check before purchasing medicines or food products, specifically checking the packaging, label, distribution licence and expiration date.

For his part, Yogi stated that the two takjil items containing borax came from traders around Mataram. “Still around Mataram. We are still investigating (the finding). We will visit the factory location later,” he concluded.