The Head of Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), Prof. dr. Taruna Ikrar, officially oversaw the release of Indonesian spices certified free of radioactive contamination for export to the United States, marking a major step in ensuring product safety and international market access. In a ceremony in Surabaya, BPOM issued certifications for shipments of cloves, cinnamon, and other spice products that have passed strict testing for the radionuclide Cesium-137 and complied with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. This achievement follows coordinated efforts by Indonesian authorities to address previous import alerts related to radioactivity concerns and demonstrates Indonesia’s capacity to meet stringent global food safety standards. According to BPOM, the successful export sends a strong signal that locally produced spices can safely compete in demanding markets, reinforcing confidence among domestic producers and international buyers. 

BPOM’s work to secure and certify these exports reflects broader cooperation with international partners, including the U.S. FDA, to ensure ongoing compliance and mutual recognition of food safety protocols. In recent months, BPOM has been recognized as an accredited certifying entity capable of issuing guarantees that Indonesian spice products are free from Cesium-137 contamination, cooperating closely with agencies such as the National Nuclear Energy Agency (Bapeten) and research institutions for rigorous testing. This regulatory trust has helped reopen and stabilize spice exports to the United States following temporary heightened scrutiny, showcasing Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining high standards of public health protection while expanding its presence in key export markets.

Source: https://www.pom.go.id/berita/kepala-bpom-pastikan-rempah-indonesia-aman-tembus-pasar-amerika