Use of formalin in food probed

BENGKULU: The Bengkulu Agency for Drug and Food Control (BPOM) said Tuesday that it was looking for borax and formalin substances in meatball, tofu, fish, and noodles produced by local home industries.

Bengkulu BPOM head Joko Triyono said that formalin, if consumed, will attack people's nervous systems, kidneys, and other vital organs.

Borax and formalin -- substances usually used to preserve dead bodies -- were sold in the province's markets freely for the non- food industry, so it was possible that errant sellers have used them as preservatives to prevent food from rotting and to keep fish fresh.

"Anyone who uses the substances to preserve food will face severe sanctions, including prison terms as it is against the law on health and food," Joko said. --Antara