Holiday Ayo - The Head of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, responded to a report from Taiwanese authorities regarding the Soto Banjar Limau Kulit variant of Indomie containing ethylene oxide exceeding the standard.

According to Taruna, the finding will be followed up.

"Yes, it has come to our attention regarding noodle products. It has come to our attention. Ethylene oxidant," Taruna told reporters at the Barantin Office in Central Jakarta on Friday (September 12).

"Technically, it meets the standard. We will follow up on this matter further. We are currently communicating with the relevant authorities," he explained.

When asked about the discovery of ethylene oxide in Indonesian noodle products, which is not an isolated incident, Taruna confirmed it.

He promised to take action.

"This has come to our attention. And we will follow up on it," he added.

Previously, Taiwanese authorities reported that a batch of Indomie brand instant noodles, Soto Banjar Limau Kulit flavor, produced in Indonesia, was found to contain ethylene oxide pesticide residues at levels that did not meet Taiwan's standards.

According to an official statement from the Taiwanese Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday (September 11), the Indomie batch had an expiration date of March 19, 2026.

The Taiwanese Center for Food Safety (CFS) is currently investigating whether the product in question was imported into Hong Kong and is contacting relevant authorities for further information.

Local authorities have also urged citizens to discard and not consume any Indomie Soto Banjar Limau Kulit flavored products from the batch in question.

Furthermore, products obtained through online purchases or international travel are not exempt.

Meanwhile, the CFS will remain vigilant and monitor any new developments and take appropriate action if necessary.