A recent discovery in Taiwan has put a spotlight on global food safety rules. Authorities there found a chemical known to potentially cause cancer in a popular instant noodle product from Indonesia. This finding has prompted officials in Indonesia to look closely at the issue, though they insist the same noodles sold in their country are safe.
The chemical in question is called ethylene oxide. Taiwan’s Food Safety Center detected it in Indomie brand instant noodles, specifically the Soto Banjar Limau Kulit flavor. These noodles are made by the Indonesian company Indofood.
Mr. Taruna Ikrar, who leads Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), confirmed the product failed Taiwan’s safety tests. He noted that the specific batch found in Taiwan was brought in by middlemen, not through official importers. This means the noodle company was not directly aware of its entry into Taiwan.
Indofood, the manufacturer, is now investigating its ingredients and production process. They want to find out how the chemical got into the noodles. Meanwhile, Mr. Ikrar assured the public that these noodles are registered correctly under Indonesian law. He added that they are still safe for people to eat within Indonesia.
Indonesian authorities are also telling consumers to be careful. They advise everyone to check labels, packaging, expiry dates, and nutritional information before buying any food. They also asked people not to panic over the news.
This incident highlights how different food safety rules are around the world. Taiwan has a strict zero-tolerance policy for ethylene oxide in food. Countries like the United States, the European Union, and Indonesia have their own rules, which are not always the same. Interestingly, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has not set a maximum safe amount for this chemical in food.
Ethylene oxide itself is a colorless gas. It is used in making many chemical products like plastics, synthetic fabrics, cleaning liquids, and glues. It also helps sterilize medical and dental tools that cannot be cleaned with steam or radiation.
Source: Antara
