September 13, 2025 | 06:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has responded to the widespread news on social media regarding the discovery of ethylene oxide (Eto) contained in the Indomie variant of Soto Banjar Limau Kulit in Taiwan. The agency said it has been informed by the Taiwanese government regarding the Indofood product.
"BPOM has received reports and explanations from the manufacturer that the products found did not meet Taiwan standards," BPOM stated in its written announcement on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Meanwhile, Indofood clarified that the products were not officially exported to Taiwan. "The products are suspected to have been exported by traders, not an official importer," it said. "The products were exported without the knowledge of the producer."
According to BPOM, Indofood is currently reviewing the raw materials used in the products. "The investigation results will be reported to BPOM soon," it added.
BPOM revealed that this discovery occurred because Taiwan does not allow the presence of Eto in food products.
This standard differs from several other countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Indonesia, which separate the limit standard for Eto with 2-chloroethanol (2-CE) as the analysis and not as the total Eto limit. Until now, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) as an international organization under WHO/FAO has not regulated the maximum residue limit for Eto.
Furthermore, BPOM said they are working with competent authorities in Taiwan and other related parties to follow up and monitor the developments of this discovery.
"According to BPOM’s registration data, the product variant in question has a distribution permit from BPOM. It can be sold in Indonesia and is still safe for consumption," BPOM emphasized.
BPOM also urged the public to become smart consumers and implement the Cek KLIK principle, which encompasses checking the packaging, label, distribution permits, and expiration dates before consuming processed food products. "BPOM also encourages the public to read the nutritional information and serving sizes of processed food products listed on the packaging," they added.
Tempo attempted to confirm the issue with the Director of Indofood Sukses Makmur, Fransiscus Welirang. However, as of the publication of this article, Fransiscus has not responded to Tempo's messages.
Editor’s Choice: BPOM Learns of Pork Oil Reports in MBG Food Trays via Social Media
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Taiwan Foreign Minister Pushes Global Partnership Ahead of UN General Assembly
4 hari lalu
Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, calls on the world to cooperate with Taiwan as the 80th UN General Assembly approaches.
Indonesia Secures a 6-0 Victory Over Taiwan in FIFA Matchday
7 hari lalu
The Indonesian National Team showcased a formidable attacking performance against Taiwan in FIFA Matchday from the opening whistle.
Mees Hilgers to Miss Indonesian Team's FIFA Matchday in September
10 hari lalu
The chairperson of PSSI, Erick Thohir, said Mees Hilgers will be absent from two FIFA Matchday games for the Indonesian national team.
Patrick Kluivert Disappointed as Indonesia vs Kuwait Match Canceled
10 hari lalu
The September 2025 FIFA Matchday will be Patrick Kluivert's first time in Surabaya.
FIFA Matchday Against Taiwan, Lebanon to Proceed Despite Unrest in Indonesia
10 hari lalu
The international friendly matches on FIFA Matchday in September 2025 will not be canceled despite the widespread protests.
Indonesia to Face Taiwan for FIFA Matchday After Kuwait Withdrawal
16 hari lalu
The match will be held on September 5, 2025, three days before facing Lebanon.
BPOM to Crack Down on Vape Products Found Containing Ketamine
17 hari lalu
BPOM's statement came after the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) revealed the discovery of counterfeit ketamine in vape pods.
BPOM Learns of Pork Oil Reports in MBG Food Trays via Social Media
17 hari lalu
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar confirmed TikTok was the source of initial pork oil allegations in MBG food trays.
BPOM to Test Samples of MBG Food Tray Suspected of Containing Pork Oil
17 hari lalu
The Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) will conduct tests on samples of food tray from the free nutritious meal program (MBG) suspected of containing pork oil.
China Evacuates Over 82,000 People Following Fatal Floods; 5 Dead in Taiwan
39 hari lalu
China have evacuated over 82,000 residents in Beijing due to the threat of heavy rainfall, following the deaths of dozens in the capital's outskirt.
