TRENGGALEK – A food safety inspection in Trenggalek uncovered expired and unlabeled products still on sale ahead of the Eid holiday, prompting authorities to warn several retailers directly.
The joint inspection brought together the Trenggalek Health, Population Control and Family Planning Office (Dinkesdalduk KB), the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), and other local agencies. On Tuesday, inspection teams checked 14 retail outlets across Trenggalek, Tugu, Karangan, Pogalan, and Gandusari districts.
Dr. Sunarto, head of Dinkesdalduk KB Trenggalek, said traders now show better compliance compared to last year. Store owners generally arrange products neatly, separate food from non-food items, and maintain proper storage conditions.
However, inspectors still recorded several violations during the visits.
Officers found six expired food products, four items with damaged packaging, and five products without labels. They also identified six products with incomplete labeling and six others with expired distribution permits. In addition, five storage areas lacked pallet systems to keep goods off the floor.
“We immediately removed non-compliant products from the shelves and issued warnings to the business operators,” Dr. Sunarto said.
Although violations remain, officials see steady progress. Authorities have conducted regular training sessions for shop owners and local producers over the past year.
Health center officers also visit production sites routinely to guide operators on hygiene standards and regulatory compliance. These efforts have gradually strengthened awareness among businesses.
Dr. Sunarto addressed concerns about dangerous additives in food products. Laboratory teams tested several samples and found no traces of formaldehyde, borax, Rhodamine B, or metanil yellow.
“Our tests show negative results for hazardous chemicals,” he stressed.
Authorities launched the food safety inspection in Trenggalek to protect consumers ahead of Eid, when demand for food products usually surges.
For now, officials have chosen corrective measures rather than harsh penalties. They issued formal warnings and required businesses to fix the violations immediately. Authorities have not recommended temporary closures because the issues remain correctable.
“Guidance remains our priority. Business owners can still fix the current violations,” Dr. Sunarto explained.
He also emphasized that officials carry out inspections throughout the year, not only before major religious holidays. Teams conduct both scheduled monitoring and surprise checks to maintain consistent oversight.
At the same time, authorities urge residents to act carefully when buying food. Consumers should check expiration dates, examine packaging conditions, and confirm that products carry valid distribution permits.
As Eid approaches, Dr. Sunarto reminded the public that food safety requires collective responsibility. Producers must guarantee safe products, consumers must stay critical, and the government must enforce regulations consistently.
“Safe food is a basic public need, and everyone shares responsibility in ensuring it,” he concluded.