BPOM finds three food products containing formalin and textile dye at Serpong Market in Tangerang Selatan

Tangerang Selatan – Three food products were found to contain hazardous substances during a surprise inspection (sidak) at Serpong Market on Monday, 25 May 2026. Head of the Tangerang BPOM Office, M Sony Mughofir, stated that out of 23 food samples inspected, three—fresh yellow noodles, white tofu, and steamed cakes—tested positive for harmful substances. ‘For the steamed cakes, they contain textile dye Rhodamine B, while the fresh yellow noodles and white tofu contain formalin,’ Sony said at Serpong Market, Tangerang Selatan, on Monday. ‘We always urge producers to use colouring agents approved by BPOM,’ he added. Formalin is still commonly found in food products such as fresh yellow noodles and tofu due to its low cost as a preservative. ‘The most common are fresh yellow noodles and tofu. Previously, in other regions, we found dried anchovies and bread rolls containing formalin,’ Sony said. Meanwhile, Tangerang Selatan City’s Second Assistant Regional Head, Heru Agus Santoso, said vendors must immediately remove the products from sale. He does not want Tangsel residents consuming these products due to their hazardous nature. He will also trace the producers supplying these foods to the market. It is known that the formalin-contaminated white tofu and fresh yellow noodles were supplied from outside Tangerang Selatan. The origin of the steamed cakes containing Rhodamine B is still being investigated. With these actions, the Tangsel City Government will provide guidance to producers. However, if violations are found again, they will take strict action with the Polres Food Task Force. ‘The government, together with the Polres Food Task Force, will issue warnings up to legal action,’ he said.