September 7, 2007

Formadehyde-laden chickens found in North Jakarta markets

Authorities in North Jakarta have found formadehyde-laden chickens being sold in open markets Wednesday (Sep 5) but said they would not arrest the offenders as they would require more time to monitor the situation.    

According to the Detik news portal, The North Jakarta agriculture, maritime and animal husbandry office found formaldehyde-laden chickens at Kali Baru and Rorotan traditional markets in North Jakarta during an impromptu inspection.

Officials found at least three vendors selling the formaldehyde chickens.

Office head Riyana Faiza said the formaldehyde was injected into chicken carcasses to make them look fresh. The signs are clear as the chicken's skin is whiter and there are no flies buzzing around the carcasses, which are displayed in the open at the market, she added.

Although consumers may not feel immediate effects, formaldehyde could cause serious health problems such as cancer in the long term, she said.

Government authorities are starting to take notice of the increasing use of formaldehyde as more consumer items are laced with it

Deputy head of the Jakarta Agriculture, Maritime and Animal Husbandry Agency, Adnan Ahmad, told The Jakarta Post that the use of formaldehyde in foodstuffs was strictly forbidden.

Offenders would receive three warnings before being taken to court and slapped with a maximum three-month jail sentence.

However, enforcing the ban is difficult as vendors would hold off using formaldehyde until official monitoring slackens.