The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of Indonesian export commodities after traces of radioactive Cesium-137 (Cs-137) were reported in shrimp and clove shipments to the United States. BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar emphasized that the agency is providing scientific, transparent, and professional clarification to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including technical guidance and a formal report detailing Indonesia’s decontamination and monitoring measures. A task force has been mobilized to ensure that contaminated materials are destroyed and not allowed into the supply chain.

Taruna underscored the importance of science-based communication to maintain international trust in Indonesian products, adding that continuous efforts are being made to have Indonesia removed from the FDA’s red and yellow import lists. The government clarified that not all shrimp and clove exports are restricted — only those originating from specific areas like Java and Lampung require additional certification. Companies under stricter import alerts, such as PT BMS and PT NJS, must undergo independent verification before regaining export access. BPOM, in coordination with the government’s special task force, continues to enhance monitoring systems and enforce international safety standards to protect market confidence.

Source: https://en.antaranews.com/news/386014/bpom-clarifies-to-us-fda-ensure-safety-of-indonesian-exports