Drug agency warns of smuggled food, drugs in Batam

The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) called on Batam authorities to devote extra attention to food and drugs allegedly smuggled into the city, citing that such products often carry chemical substances that may harm residents' health.

“Batam's strategic position [for traffic of food and drug products] has made it prone to illegal importation of food and drugs which can pose threats to public health,” said Agency head Lucky Oemar Said on Thursday.

Batam Island is located 45 minutes away by ferry from Singapore, an international trade hub.

Lucky said his agency discovered during recent raids on some stores in Batam and Tanjung Pinang that some imported biscuits, chocolate bars, beverage did not carry license from the agency and contain hazardous substances.

The agency recently found illegal food supplements, herbal medicines and cosmetics being sold in the Banten markets.

“We need the cooperation of the relevant authorities to monitor and curb the influx of such illegal products, which can be detrimental to the people,” he was quoted by Antara.

Riau Islands provincial secretary Suhajar Diantoro said the administration would heed the agency's call for closer cooperation between the agency and the administration.

“We will lend our support to the agency to carry out surveillance of drug and food,” Suhajar said. “We need to address the issue of [illegal] food and snack imports seriously,” Suhajar added. (aml)