Beware of brightly coloured takjil: BBPOM DKI warns of danger signs

Jakarta, Kompas.com – The public is urged to be more vigilant when choosing takjil for breaking the fast, especially foods with colours that are too bright or with unusual textures. Balai Besar Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BBPOM) DKI Jakarta has asked residents to beware of takjil with vivid colours to prevent consumption of foods suspected of containing harmful substances.

Evi Citraprianti, Head of the Information and Communications Team at BBPOM DKI Jakarta, said people need to be more careful when buying food for buka puasa, especially in takjil markets. “So if the takjil is coloured, choose colours that are not too bright,” she said when met in the Gandaria Utara area, South Jakarta, on Wednesday 4 March 2026, as quoted by Antara.

She explained that colours that are too bright or striking in foods and drinks may originate from textile dyes, which are banned for use in foods. She gave an example: crackers or fried foods that taste bitter should raise suspicion. “If the crackers taste bitter, that probably means there has been borax added,” she said.

Meanwhile, tofu containing formalin generally has a firmer texture and is not easily crumbled. “The signs are when the tofu is hard; that probably indicates a formalin addition,” she noted.

Formalin and borax are chemicals not intended for foods because they pose health risks if consumed over a long period.

The task force comprises the Suku Dinas PPKUKM, Suku Dinas Kesehatan, Suku Dinas KPKP, the local economy section, and BPOM members. The formation of the task force aims to ensure processed foods circulating in South Jakarta are free from harmful substances such as formalin, textile dyes, and food additives that do not conform to regulations.

Supervision of the takjil markets is expected to be not only repressive but also educational, so that the public becomes more aware of the importance of choosing safe and healthy foods when breaking the fast.