Six foods containing borax found in markets in West Lombok and East Lombok

Six food samples from two traditional markets in West Lombok and East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), tested positive for borax. The finding was based on checks by the Mataram Branch of the National Agency for Drug and Food Control (BPOM).

Mataram BPOM head Yogi Abaso said 97 food samples up to takjil were tested. Samples were taken at several traditional markets and takjil stalls, namely Kediri Market and takjil hub at Giri Menang Square, West Lombok, as well as Pancor Market and takjil hub in Selong, East Lombok.

‘Testing used a test kit or rapid test to detect possible presence of harmful substances, such as borax, formalin, Rhodamin B, and Methanil Yellow. Of the total 97 food samples taken and tested on-site, six samples were positive for borax, consisting of four samples of wheat crackers and two samples of fresh noodles,’ said Yogi in Mataram, Friday (5/3/2026).

The six borax-positive food samples, Yogi noted, were found at Kediri Market, West Lombok, and Pancor Market, East Lombok. By contrast, BPOM Mataram did not find any takjil samples containing harmful substances among those collected from takjil hubs at Giri Menang Square, Gerung, and Selong.

Following the findings, Yogi urged the public to be more careful in selecting foods to consume. He also asked the public to report promptly to the Mataram BPOM or relevant authorities if they suspect foods containing harmful substances.

‘The ongoing and collaborative surveillance efforts are expected to ensure that foods circulating during Ramadan are safe, of good quality, and suitable for consumption,’ Yogi said.