TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Industry Ministry stated the condensed milk or locally known susu kenal manis (SKM) is safe to consume for the public considering the product has met the standard and obtained the distribution permit. The Agriculture Industry director-general Panggah Susanto said SKM is one kind of dairy products.

Panggah explained the standard of condensed milk is regulated at BPOM Head Regulation (Perka) No. 21/2016 on Food Category which was arranged based on the international standard, Codex Alimentarius.

“If the product does not meet descriptions based on the standard, BPOM will not issue the permit of its distribution,” said Panggah in a written statement today, July 7.

Referred to Perka, Panggah explained, the condensed milk and its analog products is the sweetened condensed cow's milk from which water has been removed or is a reconstitution of powdered milk by adding sugar and with or without additional ingredients.

Panggah went on to say that the production of the condensed milk well affected the community’s economy, company’s investment, the factory’s laborer, and the local farmers who provide the fresh milk. He pinned hope the regulation of SKM product could be managed wisely.

“It aimed at preventing negative effects for the industrial business that produces the product and contribute in the national economy thus far,” he underlined.

Panggah mentioned thousands of dairy farmers would be affected should the industry of condensed milk experienced downturn.

Industry Ministry recorded the national industry is gradually growing in line with the rising rate of consumption of the condensed milk or SKM. As of now, the production capacity of SKM amounted to 812,000 tons per year. Meanwhile, the investment reached Rp5.4 trillion with the total employment of 6,652 workers.

KARTIKA ANGGRAENI