Expired products destroyed

AMBON, Maluku: Maluku government officials have confiscated thousands of expired products from markets in East and West Seram regencies. Twenty-five different kinds of products, mostly children's snack foods, were seized during recent inspections of the markets, said the chief of the Maluku Industry and Trade Office, Burhan Bandjar.

Most of the products expired between 2001 and 2004, he said. "The products were still being sold even though they had expired."

The products have been destroyed, he said.

Burhan said his office would launch a campaign to make members of the public and vendors more aware of expired products.

"We warned the vendors. If they are again found selling expired products, their licenses will be revoked," said Burhan. -- JP