BPOM Head Urges Takjil Vendors to Sell Safe Food
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, has urged the public, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and vendors selling *takjil* (Ramadan snacks), to sell food that meets safety standards for consumption.
"We urge all business actors, especially those involved in SMEs, *takjil* vendors, and others, to use and sell ready-to-eat food that meets the required standards," he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Taruna emphasised that vendors should not use food colourings other than those specifically intended for food, as these can endanger public health.
He also urged the public to ensure that the *takjil* they buy meets health standards.
"Make sure that the food, for example, does not contain chemicals, preservatives, or artificial colourings. It's usually quite simple to see how fresh it is," he said.
In terms of maintaining the safety and comfort of consumers during Ramadan, Taruna said that his agency is also intensifying monitoring throughout Indonesia.
"Hopefully, the wider community, especially Muslims who are fasting, can carry out their worship peacefully and with blessings, knowing that the food and drinks they consume are being closely monitored by BPOM RI," said Taruna Ikrar.
Previously, BPOM intensified monitoring of food and beverages at the seasonal *takjil* market in Kediri City, East Java, on Monday (23 February).
BPOM tested 56 samples of food and beverages to prevent the circulation of unsafe *takjil*.
During the testing, BPOM found that a sample of *kerupuk* (crackers) contained Rhodamine-B, a synthetic dye commonly used in the textile, paper, and plastic industries.
This substance is toxic, carcinogenic (can cause cancer), and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as skin and respiratory irritation.
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
It is strictly prohibited to take content, crawl or automatically index for AI on this website without written permission from the ANTARA News Agency.
"We urge all business actors, especially those involved in SMEs, *takjil* vendors, and others, to use and sell ready-to-eat food that meets the required standards," he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Taruna emphasised that vendors should not use food colourings other than those specifically intended for food, as these can endanger public health.
He also urged the public to ensure that the *takjil* they buy meets health standards.
"Make sure that the food, for example, does not contain chemicals, preservatives, or artificial colourings. It's usually quite simple to see how fresh it is," he said.
In terms of maintaining the safety and comfort of consumers during Ramadan, Taruna said that his agency is also intensifying monitoring throughout Indonesia.
"Hopefully, the wider community, especially Muslims who are fasting, can carry out their worship peacefully and with blessings, knowing that the food and drinks they consume are being closely monitored by BPOM RI," said Taruna Ikrar.
Previously, BPOM intensified monitoring of food and beverages at the seasonal *takjil* market in Kediri City, East Java, on Monday (23 February).
BPOM tested 56 samples of food and beverages to prevent the circulation of unsafe *takjil*.
During the testing, BPOM found that a sample of *kerupuk* (crackers) contained Rhodamine-B, a synthetic dye commonly used in the textile, paper, and plastic industries.
This substance is toxic, carcinogenic (can cause cancer), and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as skin and respiratory irritation.
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
It is strictly prohibited to take content, crawl or automatically index for AI on this website without written permission from the ANTARA News Agency.