Ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah confirmed that food safety inspections are being conducted at several traditional and modern markets.

She noted that the inspections were carried out at four locations by the West Jakarta Food Security, Marine, and Agriculture (KPKP) Sub-agency in collaboration with the Jakarta Food and Drug Monitoring Center (BBPOM).

"Today, inspection carried out at Hypermart Kembangan. Various types of vegetables, fruits, dry foods, and meats such as chicken, beef, and fish were checked. We want to ensure that circulating food products are safe for consumption," she stated on Tuesday (12/23).

Iin emphasized that the inspections for harmful substances reflect the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of food for the public.

She reported that one of the food items inspected at Hypermart Kembangan, candied nutmeg, tested positive for formalin.

"I want to stress that any unfit or failed samples must be followed up immediately. Sellers should also be contacted to prevent the distribution of unsafe or harmful products," she said firmly.

On the other hand, Head of Jakarta BBPOM, Sofiyani Chandrawati Anwar, said that in addition to screening for harmful substances, today's focus was also on products without distribution permits, expired items, and damaged packaging.

Sofiyani added that of the 16 samples tested, three items were found to be damaged, and two products were discovered with invalid distribution permits.

"Our testing uses rapid tests to quickly determine whether a product contains harmful substances such as formalin, borax, methanyl yellow, and rhodamine B," she explained.

She urged buyers to become smart consumers by checking products using the KLIK method, which includes inspecting the Packaging, Label, Distribution Permit, and Expiry Date.

"With careful inspection, consumers can avoid illegal or dangerous products and protect their health," she mentioned.