TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The finding of anisakis worms in canned mackerel fish has caused considerable economic losses. The Indonesian Fish Canning Association (APIKI) said it caused a number of companies under loss to billions. In fact, many of its employees are on the verge of termination of employment (PHK).
"We have fired some employees. One factory has an average of 500 people, there are already billions of losses," said APIKI Chairman Ady Surya during a press conference at APIKI Office, Pluit, North Jakarta, Saturday, March 31.
According to Ady, fear of worms in mackerel fish is not accompanied by the explanation of experts, academics, and authority.
The uncertainty even led the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to instruct the withdrawal of the 27 trademarks of canned mackerel fish under the APIKI. The experts have previously denied the negative impact of worm parasites on the canned mackerel product.
"We support the intention of consumer protection, we were asked to withdraw the product and destroy it, but left without solutions by the state," Ady said.
The worse, the processed canned products of sardines and tuna will also be prohibited its circulation due to the fear of the worm.
Previously, Health Minister Nila Moeloek said that the worm is not a problem because the product can be consumed with being cooked. She also said the worms contain protein, so it is harmless.
The case of mackerel canned products containing worms became viral since it was first discovered in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Tuesday, March 20.
BPOM on Wednesday, March 28 announced that there were 27 brands consisting of 138 batches of canned mackerel fish that contain positive parasitic worms.
A total of 16 products of which are imports and the remaining 11 are the domestic products with imported raw materials.
ZARA AMALIA
