BBPOM Mataram Finds Borax-Containing Foods in Lombok

From a total of 97 food samples collected and tested on-site, we found six samples positive for borax, comprising four samples of wheat-flour crackers and two samples of fresh noodles, said Yogi Abaso, head of BBPOM Mataram, in Mataram on Friday. The findings were obtained from tests conducted during an inspection activity held on 4–5 March 2026. The borax-containing samples were found at Kediri Market in West Lombok and Pancor Market in East Lombok.

BBPOM Mataram immediately provided guidance to traders selling borax-containing foods and traced the sources of the products to prevent the circulation of foods that do not meet requirements. Officers collected samples and conducted tests using rapid-testing methods to detect the possible presence of hazardous substances, such as borax, formalin, Rhodamine B, and Methanil Yellow.

‘Sll samples met food safety requirements and were not detected to contain hazardous substances,’ said Yogi.

Yogi urged the public to be more careful when selecting foods for consumption and to report suspected borax-containing foods to BBPOM Mataram or related authorities. ‘We hope ongoing, collaborative supervisory efforts will ensure that foods circulating during Ramadan are safe, of good quality, and fit for human consumption,’ he said.