RADAR BLITAR – Blitar authorities have intensified Ramadan food safety monitoring as food consumption rises during the fasting month. The Kediri branch of Indonesia’s Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and the Blitar municipal government are conducting stricter inspections and laboratory tests on food sold across the city.

BPOM Kediri chief Winanto said Ramadan brings higher risks of unsafe or substandard food entering the market. Rising demand and the rapid spread of temporary stalls often push vendors to ignore safety standards.

“Food demand rises sharply during Ramadan, so we are strengthening supervision,” Winanto said Sunday. “Our teams inspect products directly and run laboratory tests. We will announce and act on any violations we find.”

Blitar has opened large takjil markets throughout Ramadan. These seasonal bazaars sell snacks and meals for breaking the fast. The city’s Industry and Trade Office estimates that about 270 MSMEs and street vendors are taking part this year.

Industry and Trade Office head Parminto said the markets run daily from the start of Ramadan until the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Strong participation from vendors and residents has led officials to stress food safety compliance.

“Public and trader enthusiasm is very high,” Parminto said. “We expect every vendor to ensure the food they sell is safe.”

Officials are urging traders to follow municipal rules on hygiene, waste disposal, and stall management. Most takjil markets use public roads that must return to normal traffic use after trading hours.

“We ask vendors to follow regulations and keep the area clean because this is public space,” Parminto said. “They must protect both food safety and environmental order.”

Authorities will continue the joint Ramadan food safety campaign until the end of the fasting month. Inspection teams will monitor markets, collect samples, and test products in laboratories to protect consumers during peak seasonal demand.