Mie Sedaap Instant Noodles Remain Available in Indonesia, BPOM Explains

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In the wake of multiple recalls of Mie Sedaap instant noodle products in at least three countries after it was found to contain pesticide, the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) on Wednesday revealed that the instant noodle variants from the brand currently available in the domestic market are safe for consumption. 

The health agencies of the countries above recalled specific instant cup noodle variants from the brand after discovering ethylene oxide – which is classified as a carcinogenic – above safe levels. 

BPOM argues that the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) as an international organization under the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) does not specifically regulate Ethylene Oxide and its derivative compounds.

"And the regulations vary widely in various countries," said BPOM Public Relations Officer when contacted by Tempo on Wednesday, October 12. This is because, according to him, ethylene oxide is a new issue raised by the European Union Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (EURASFF) in 2020.

Meanwhile, BPOM, together with Wings Group Indonesia, the company that oversees Mie Sedaap, is currently investigating the entire production line and packaging of Mie Sedaap. BPOM also claimed to have worked together with academics and related institutions, including the Trade Ministry.

"We are monitoring the pre-market and post-market of the circulating facilities and products for the protection of public health," said BPOM Public Relations. The supervision also aims to ensure that Mie Sedaap products registered with BPOM and circulating in Indonesia are safe for consumption.

The investigation team is currently developing guidelines for risk mitigation of ethylene oxide (EtO) and 2-chloroethane (2-CE) compounds in processed foods. The agency explained that 2-CE is a compound that is commonly used as a marker for the use of EtO pesticides as a fumigant. However, this 2-CE compound can also come from other reactions or other uses. In contrast to EtO which is carcinogenic, 2-CE compounds are not carcinogenic.

Wings Group Indonesia has spoken up about the recall of its Mie Sedaap instant noodles in a number of countries. The company’s head of corporate communications & CSR Sheila Kansil acknowledged that the products were recalled due to the presence of ethylene oxide, which is a type of pesticide.

“Mie Sedaap makes sure there is no ethylene oxide used in all production lines,” Sheila said in a written statement on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Wings Group claims that its instant noodle brand has met the food safety standard which is the company's top priority.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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