Some 58 samples of takjil (Ramadan snacks) collected from Jalan Semangka in North Jakarta have been declared safe for consumption following a series of laboratory tests.

The snacks were found to be free from hazardous substances or harmful chemical additives.

North Jakarta Assistant for Economy and Development, Wawan Budi Rohman, noted that this sudden inspection (sidak) at Ramadan food hubs is a recurring annual initiative.

The inspections were done in collaboration with the Jakarta Center for Food and Drug Control (BBPOM), North Jakarta Health Sub-agency, as well as sub-district and urbqn village authorities.

"We want to ensure that North Jakarta residents have peace of mind when purchasing takjil, knowing that the products on sale have been thoroughly vetted and declared safe," he stated, Wednesday (3/4).

He elaborated that the move is more than just a one-off event; rather, it is part of the government's steadfast commitment to ensuring consumer protection.

"We must ensure that the food consumed by the public daily meets the standards of being delicious, healthy, and safe, so it does not pose any health risks down the line," he explained.

He added that yesterday afternoon's inspection also engaged members of the Scout Movement’s POM Unit (Satuan Karya POM) in hopes of bolstering public education through a more persuasive and accessible approach.

Information and Communication Team at Jakarta’s BBPOM Head, Evi Citraprianti stated that all samples underwent on-site rapid testing, with the results meeting established safety standards.

"All 58 samples were found to be free from formalin, borax, and textile dyes such as Rhodamine B. This signifies that the vendors are using food-grade ingredients rather than hazardous chemicals," she disclosed.

She emphasized that should any products fail to meet standards, authorities will provide guidance, seize the items, and trace the supply chain back to the producer.

"We will cut off distribution channels to ensure that unfit food does not circulate or reach the public," she noted.

Then random sampling was conducted on a wide array of popular items, including traditional snacks (kue basah), steamed rice cakes (lontong), fried tofu, green banana ice dessert (es pisang hijau), "firecracker" spicy fish cakes (otak-otak mercon), and various fritters.

She emphasized that should any products fail to meet safety requirements, authorities will provide guidance to the vendors, seize the goods, and trace the supply chain back to the producer.

"We will disrupt the distribution lines to ensure that food unfit for consumption does not circulate or reach the public," he stated.

Lagoa Urban Village Head, Yuyun Wahyudi explained, Jalan Semangka is a bustling culinary hub that consistently draws large crowds throughout Ramadan, particularly as residents gather to shop for food in the lead-up to the breaking of the fast.

"We're grateful for the oversight provided by BBPOM and Health Sub-agency, as it ensures that the quality of the food products offered remains guaranteed," he added.

Meanwhile, a local business owner who runs Toko Aneka Kue on Jalan Semangka, Aditya (40), welcomed the government’s initiative to safeguard food quality and ensure that all products are hygienically prepared.

"This oversight bolsters consumer confidence and provides valuable support for us as entrepreneurs," he emphasized.