Food Crime Cases in Indonesia: Mostly Unlicensed

The Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) found 266 cases of crime related to processed food products throughout 2023.

Of the total cases found, the majority, or 63.5%, were products without distribution permits.

Then 22.6% of cases involved processed food products that were past their expiration date, and 13.9% related to products containing hazardous substances.

The provinces most vulnerable to processed food crime in 2023 were Riau, North Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara, and Aceh.

The various crimes above can cause poisoning cases. However, BPOM stated that extraordinary events related to food poisoning (KLB-KP) have not been widely reported in Indonesia, so the available data does not yet reflect the actual conditions.

Based on data collected through the Community Poisoning Information Reporting System (SPIMKer) KLB-KP, in 2023 the majority of food poisoning cases originated from home cooking (53%), street food stalls (18%), and catering services (18%).

"This profile shows that the food processing practices of consumers and micro or small processed food business actors must be improved," said Acting Head of BPOM Rizka Andalusia in a press release (4/7/2024).

"The application of Good Manufacturing Practices at all stages of food processing is one critical point to prevent food contamination and protect the public from food poisoning," she said.

BPOM emphasizes the need for effective education and strong collaboration to increase awareness of food safety among all segments of society.