Formaldehyde-Laced Noodle Factory in Boyolali Uncovered, Producing 1.5 Tonnes Daily

Central Java regional police have uncovered a noodle factory producing formaldehyde-contaminated noodles in Boyolali regency with a production capacity of approximately 1.5 tonnes per day.

Kombes Pol. Djoko Julianto, Director of Special Criminal Investigation at Central Java Regional Police, stated in Semarang on Wednesday that the discovery began following reports of contaminated noodles circulating in several markets throughout Solo and surrounding areas.

Following investigative leads, officers visited two separate locations in Boyolali regency involved in producing formaldehyde-laced noodles. “The first location in Cepogo District was the production facility, whilst the second location in Mojosongo District served as a storage warehouse,” he explained.

From the two locations, officers secured evidence comprising hundreds of litres of formaldehyde and 25 sacks of noodles ready for distribution, totalling one tonne.

During the operation, police arrested a suspect with the initials WH (38), a resident of Mojosongo, Boyolali regency, believed to be the business owner.

Djoko revealed that during production, the suspect mixed one litre of formaldehyde with 100 kg of noodle dough. In accordance with BPOM Regulation Number 22 of 2022, formaldehyde is strictly prohibited as a food additive (BTP) because of its toxic and hazardous nature to human health.

This illegal practice had been ongoing since 2019, with distribution networks across Solo and surrounding areas.

The suspect has been charged under Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning Food.