Brilio.net - Latiao snacks from China are now in the spotlight of the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM). This snack product was withdrawn from the market after it was found to contain dangerous bacteria that caused poisoning in several regions in Indonesia. This withdrawal step was taken as an effort to prevent more victims from consuming contaminated products.
Extraordinary Food Poisoning Events (KLBKP) were reported to have occurred in seven regions in Indonesia, namely Lampung, Sukabumi, Wonosobo, South Tangerang, West Bandung, Pamekasan, and Riau. The victims of the poisoning experienced similar symptoms after consuming Latiao. These symptoms include stomach ache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
"Because there are bacteria in their blood. For the 12 people, 7 of them are normal, they only have symptoms of nausea. Then the 5 of them, stayed at Cokrodipo Hospital for 1 day. After that, they also went home," said the Head of BPOM RI, Taruna Ikrar.
photo: TikTok/@tni-polri1
As reported by BrilioFood from TikTok @tni-polri1 on Sunday (3/11), Taruna Ikrar revealed that this poisoning case occurred due to the Bacillus Cereus bacteria content in Latiao products. This bacteria is known to produce toxins that are harmful to the human body. Taruna appealed to the public who experience similar symptoms after consuming Latiao to immediately check themselves at the nearest health facility.
It is important to learn more about the Bacillus Cereus bacteria and how it can get into food products. Bacillus Cereus is a gram-positive bacteria that is commonly found in soil, food, and the environment. This bacteria can produce two types of toxins, namely emetic toxin which causes vomiting, and diarrheal toxin which causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. In the case of Latiao, emetic toxin is thought to be the main cause of the symptoms experienced by the victims.
photo: Instagram/@chinadailynews
The discovery of Bacillus Cereus bacteria in Latiao indicates a serious problem in the product distribution process. Although basically, BPOM claims that the product distribution process is in accordance with standards. In addition, this snack has also received a distribution permit from BPOM before, but the bacteria can grow due to improper storage.
"So the problem is not during the food production process. The food production process has met food safety standards. Before being sold, it has been tested in a lab and when it is sold, there is also a BPOM distribution permit and all sorts, but these bacteria enter when the product is in a humid condition," he continued.
photo: Instagram/@lakisnack
BPOM then worked with the Ministry of Communication and Digital to stop the sale of Latiao through online platforms. Not without reason, most of these snacks are sold online on various digital platforms. Therefore, BPOM asked the relevant ministries to also remove a number of Latiao sales.
The BPOM has also ordered importers from China to withdraw and destroy Latiao products. Importers are required to report the process of withdrawing and destroying these products to BPOM within the next seven days. Taruna emphasized that BPOM will continue to monitor importers' compliance with these instructions.
"We ask importers to immediately report the withdrawal and destruction process to the POM agency and we will continue to monitor their compliance," added Taruna.