Jakarta's BPOM Finds Textile Dye in Takjil Food Sample in Benhil

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JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Jakarta branch of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) found that one out of 27 takjil food samples at the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) Takjil Centre in Central Jakarta allegedly contained textile dye.

“Out of a total of 27 samples (tested), one steamed sponge cake is suspected of using textile dye,” said the Head of BPOM Jakarta, Sofiyani Chandrawati, as quoted by Antara on Thursday (26/2/2026).

The cake was then taken, and the vendor was given education so that they could recognise and choose food that is free from harmful ingredients such as rhodamine B and methyl yellow.

Methyl yellow is also a synthetic dye, but it is brownish-yellow and in solid or powder form. This substance is used as a dye for fabrics or paint.

Both of these substances are harmful to health because they can cause irritation to the digestive tract, disrupt liver and bladder function, and cause cancer.

Sofiyani said that her agency will continue to monitor takjil food during Ramadan to ensure its suitability for breaking the fast.

“Other places will be investigated together with the Health Office, in the Kemayoran area,” she said.

Arifin said he was grateful that, in general, the takjil in Benhil was safe. Therefore, he asked the public not to worry when looking for takjil there.

“The takjil snacks in Benhil are, thank God, safe in the assessment. It is true that there are often results containing formalin, but here it is negative,” he said.

The results showed that six samples, or 4.1 percent, did not meet the requirements (containing harmful substances), while 141 other samples (95.9 percent) met the requirements.

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