RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – Authorities in Tulungagung, East Java, confirmed that all food and drinks at the SAVANA Ramadan takjil market are free from hazardous substances after an inspection on Wednesday (Feb. 26).

Health officers took 30 random samples from vendors at the SAVANA (Sentra Aneka Variasi Takjil Nusantara) market. The market operates this year at the GOR Lembu Peteng complex. Rapid tests detected no banned chemicals in any sample.

The Tulungagung Health Office conducted the inspection with Indonesia’s Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM). Officials run these checks every Ramadan as demand for ready-to-eat iftar snacks rises sharply.

“We used rapid test methods, and all 30 samples were negative for hazardous substances,” said Desi Lusiana Wardhani, head of the Tulungagung Health Office.

Inspectors screened foods for methanil yellow, rhodamine B, borax, and formalin. Samples included dumplings, meatballs, stuffed tofu, beverages, and other prepared snacks sold at the market.

Desi said the inspection also supports small food businesses through guidance and mentoring. The health office has trained vendors on safe ingredients and handling practices for years.

“These results show our education and assistance programs work well. Most vendors now follow the food safety standards we teach,” she said.

Inspectors still found minor issues at several stalls. Some vendors displayed food without proper covers. Others needed better sanitation practices. Officers gave direct feedback on site so vendors could fix the problems quickly.

Officials also placed stickers on stalls that joined food safety briefings. The labels show vendors understand safe food handling standards. Authorities say the Ramadan takjil market is safe for public consumption.