BANTEN: Five people at a chicken slaughter house have been arrested after being caught injecting formaldehyde into chicken produce Friday in Serang, Banten.
Serang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Lili Heri Setiadi said the formaldehyde was used to increase the meat's weight and to make it appear fresh.
In the first raid in Kebaharan Dukuh kampong of Lopang subdistrict, the police arrested Achmad Fery and Maskur.
Police said their statements lead to other arrests in Pejaten kampong of Kalingadu subdistrict.
The owner of a chicken slaughter house, Muchsolin, and two traders, Muchlis and Henky, were also arrested.
""The suspects are detained for further investigation ... what they did could harm people's health,"" Lili said.
Achmad reportedly said the formaldehyde injection helped him to preserve chicken meat stock for up to three days.
He said this meant he did not have to buy chicken in Tangerang municipality everyday and so could save transportation expenses.
The suspects said they sold the chicken meat at traditional markets in Serang and Karangantu.
Muchlis said almost all chicken meat traders use the chemical, especially during the fasting month of Ramadhan. -- JP
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