As the holy month of Ramadan comes, the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) in Manokwari ensures the safety and quality of takjil snacks. Takjil is a common snack Muslims consume when they break their fast or iftar.
Therefore, BPOM conducts inspection and supervision for the takjil sellers in Manokwari. This agency will oversee the takjil menu sold during Ramadan 2023.
BPOM Supervision Aims to Protect the Public About Takjil Snacks
Takjil snacks are a staple of Ramadan, providing much-needed energy after a long day of fasting. However, these snacks can also pose a risk to public health if they are not prepared and stored properly. Therefore, BPOM Manokwari has taken on the responsibility of overseeing the safety and hygiene of these snacks.
The Head of BPOM Manokwari, Musthofa Anwari, said the supervision aims to protect the public. So they can consume healthy and safe food during Ramadan.
He also explains that BPOM carries out the inspection to ensure that takjil drinks and snacks do not contain harmful substances, such as:
- formalin
- borax,
- artificial colorings such as Methanyl Yellow and Rhodamin B.
Musthofa states that BPOM will continue to supervise the safety of takjil during Ramadan. Besides, the supervision covers Manokwari and the entire area of West Papua.
How to Supervise Takjil Safety
To ensure the safety of takjil snacks, BPOM Manokwari has implemented a number of measures, such as the following:
1. Thorough Inspections of Local Food Establishments
Firstly, they have conducted thorough inspections of local food establishments to ensure that they are complying with food safety regulations. This includes ensuring that food is prepared in a clean and hygienic environment, that ingredients are fresh and not expired, and that proper food handling practices are followed.
2. Conducting Laboratory Tests on Samples of Takjil Snacks
BPOM Manokwari has also been conducting laboratory tests on samples of takjil snacks to check for any harmful substances or contamination. They carry out the test on a regular basis throughout the month of Ramadan to ensure that the snacks remain safe and free from any harmful substances.
3. Providing Guidance to Local Food Establishments
In addition to these measures, BPOM Manokwari has been providing guidance to local food establishments on best practices for preparing and storing takjil snacks. For instance, BPOM gives advice on maintaining proper food hygiene, using clean utensils and equipment, and storing food at the correct temperatures.
The Result of the Inspection Takjil Snacks
Since Friday, 24th of March 2023, BPOM has conducted the food sampling tests. BPOM takes the food samples randomly from 16 sellers. These samples are favorite takjil snacks such as cakes, drinks, meatballs, sweets, and processed dates.
They take the samples from the takjil sellers in Sanggeng, Bumi Marina, and Wosi. Totally, there are 109 samples of food that BPOM tested to check the dangerous ingredients. To check the samples, BPOM uses a mobile laboratory.
In addition to traditional snacks, BPOM also checks some snacks in modern retailers. The purpose of this inspection is to protect people from expired food.
Then, what are the results of this food sampling test? Luckily, Musthofa reveals that the results of sampling tests are good. There are no harmful substances in various snacks tested.
He is grateful that the samples indicate good results. It means that the takjil snacks recommendations in Manokwari are safe and healthy. Even so, he advises people to be selective in purchasing the food they consume. For instance, they should check the packaging and expiry date.
It is because when BPOM conducts supervision, the team has found several expired foods. So, BPOM withdraws them so that the retailers do not sell them. During this supervision, BPOM cooperates with health services, the pharmacist’s association, as well as scouts.
The local residents really appreciate the BPOM efforts to ensure the safety of takjil. So, the communities can have peace of mind knowing that the food sold around them is healthy and safe.
Overall, the efforts of BPOM Manokwari to oversee the safety of takjil snacks during Ramadan 2023 demonstrate the agency’s commitment to ensuring public health and safety. By conducting inspections and laboratory tests, BPOM plays a crucial role in ensuring that people can consume healthy takjil snacks.
