Four popular Korean instant noodle products have been recalled after testing positive for pig DNA fragments, the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) said.
Head of the Jakarta Food and Drug Monitoring Agency Dewi Prawitasari confirmed the letter from BPOM as reported by Tribun News. The four products containing traces of pork are Samyang’s U-Dong and Mi Instan Rasa Kimchi (Kimchi-flavoured instant noodles), Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun Black and Yeul Ramen by Ottogi. The products are not labeled as containing pork.
The popular Korean instant noodles were all imported by local company, Koin Bumi.
A letter recalling the noodles was sent to every BPOM Head in the county.
BPOM spokeswoman Ria Anggraini said the pig DNA was detected through a recent tests of samples.
Indonesia BPOM head Penny K. Lukito told a press conference in North Jakarta Monday, June 19, that they have ordered importers to pull the products from market.
“We have given them a period of time, but still there’s no action. We issued a distribution permit withdrawal as an administrative sanction,” Lukito said, as quoted by Kompas.
Lukito said that these products were uncovered when importers tried to license them with the BPOM.
BPOM will monitor the retail distribution facilities selling such products, including importers/distributors, shops, supermarkets, hypermarkets and traditional markets.
As per agency rules, products containing pork must include a logo as an identification and warning for buyers. If they’re being sold in retail stores or supermarkets, they must be displayed separately.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has also confirmed that the four Korean instant noodle brands have not applied for halal certification in Indonesia.
Koin Bumi has not released a public statement regarding the issue.
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Image credits: Thanis Lim