TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) called on the general public to remain cautious in purchasing canned fish products. BPOM mentioned that they had found fake canned mackerel products.

"We will follow this up and make further reports on the brands. There will be a public warning for certain faked brands," said Head of BPOM Penny Lukito in a press conference on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Penny warned the people to be aware of illegal herbal products without distribution permits and packed beverages containing medicinal chemicals (BKO). "Like weight reduction tea. Make sure it has a distribution permit from BPOM, because it can contain BKO," Penny said.

Penny said that based on observation by BPOM in several regions, there are products that violate the existing requirements. In addition to not having a distribution permit and containing BKO, the unauthorized products are often damaged or expired. The largest number of illegal products was discovered in the eastern part of Indonesia, especially on border areas and small archipelagos.

"BPOM will focus on these regions," Penny said.

In addition to field supervision, BPOM also carries out supervision on the e-commerce platform. As a result, the agency discovered 16,700 e-commerce links that sell unauthorized food products.

"The economic value is predicted to reach Rp 47.9 billion. This is related to our economic losses," Penny added.

Based on the discovery, Penny said that BPOM will carry out follow-up actions and coordinate with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics and the e-commerce association. Penny urged e-commerce platforms to take down links to unauthorized products.

RIRI RAHAYU

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