Health Hazards Behind Putu Cake Cooked Using PVC Pipes

Professor Eko Hari Purnomo, a food science expert from IPB University, has raised concerns over the growing trend of street vendors using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, commonly known as paralon, to mould and steam the traditional Indonesian snack kue putu. He emphasised that PVC pipes are fundamentally designed for conveying materials in cold conditions, particularly unplasticized PVC which is only suitable for temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius, and are not intended for high-temperature applications.

The steaming process for kue putu involves water vapour at 100 degrees Celsius to gelatinise the rice starch at around 80 degrees Celsius. This high temperature can trigger the migration of plastic components from the paralon pipe into the cake. Professor Eko noted that PVC pipes typically contain additives such as stabilisers with lead (Pb), a toxic heavy metal that can contaminate the environment and affect all bodily systems.

Research indicates that consuming food exposed to this heavy metal can damage the nervous system, reduce cognitive function, impair kidney function, and trigger long-term cardiovascular problems. In children, prolonged lead exposure can lower IQ, disrupt attention, and cause behavioural changes. Professor Eko strongly advised that PVC pipes should not be used for moulding and steaming kue putu, urging a return to traditional bamboo moulds to safeguard public health.