Kotabaru's Commission II urges Diskoperindag to socialize hazardous substances

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Chair of Commission II of Kotabaru DPRD Abu Suwandi urged the Cooperative, Industry and Trade Office (Diskoperindag) to socialize the danger of using chemical substances in food to the public.

Suwandi was speaking after hazardous substances, borax and formaline, in food detected by the joint team of Diskoperindag, Health Office, and Public Order Agency and Fire Brigade (Satpol PP & Damkar) currently.

"We DPRD, in this case Commission II, encourage regular testing of food samples," he said in Kotabaru as reported on Sunday.

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Suwandi said that his side asked Diskoperindag to form a team consisting of related agencies and Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to carry out regular food testing so as not to threaten health if consumed.

Apart from prevention, this effort will also provide security guarantees for consumers.

He also asked related agencies to provide guidance or socialization to traders regarding these hazardous substances.

Previosly, Head of Kotabaru Diskoperindag Hardhani confirmed finding types of food containing dangerous chemicals, formaldehyde in salted anchovy (teri medan) and baby squid.

It was also found that number-8 shaped cake contained borax. 

Regarding these findings, the office advised traders not to sell and the stuff to be withdrawn from the market.

"We have given advise not to sell any more, if they still sell there will be action. Now we give them guidance first," said Hardhani a few days ago.

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