BPOM Raids Market in Pandeglang, Finds Food Containing Formaldehyde

The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) of Serang conducted a food stock inspection at Badak Market in Pandeglang, Pandeglang Regency. During the operation, BPOM discovered food products containing formaldehyde.

Head of the BPOM Regional Office in Serang, Fauzi Ferdiansyah, said that based on rapid test results on fifteen food samples, two products were found to contain hazardous substances. The two items were sago pearls and anchovies.

“We carried out sampling on several commodities. Around 15 commodities were tested, and we still found one food item — sago pearls — that tested positive for Rhodamine B, and Medan anchovies that tested positive for formaldehyde,” said Fauzi on Monday (23/2/2026).

Following the findings, Fauzi urged traders not to sell food products that tested positive for hazardous substances. He warned that consuming such food could have serious adverse effects on health.

“These must be secured immediately. Do not sell the food that tested positive for formaldehyde,” he said.

The inspection was conducted jointly with the Pandeglang Regent and local officials. Pandeglang Regent Raden Dewi Setiani urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing basic food commodities.

“Going forward, we hope the public can choose healthy food for consumption, so that family members can enjoy their meals safely without exposure to hazardous substances,” she said.