REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) revealed investigation result on worm-infested canned mackerel. According to BPOM, the canned mackerel was contaminated by anisakis worms, a parasite commonly found in raw and undercooked seafood.

Earlier, BPOM along with Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries held a comprehensive audit with a joint inspection mechanism to domestic production facilities that produce fish products in cans as contained in BPOM explanation dated March 28, 2018. It was done to examine the process thoroughly and to identify critical points that allow the final product quality and safety standards failed to be met.

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Based on comprehensive audit result, it was known that the parasite was Anisakis sea worm, not a tapeworm." The worm comes from raw materials of marine mackerel of the imported products, " said BPOM head Penny K. Lukito on Friday (April 6).

Penny explained BPOM to continue monitoring on the withdrawal process based on production code (bets) affected by worm parasites conducted by business actors. It was done to ensure all batches of worm-infested canned fish products were recalled.

"The policy has been verified in joint inspection conducted with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and the Ministry of Industry until it is declared completed and meet the applicable regulations," she explained.

Penny said Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries will also take precautionary measures, among others, to intensify examination of natural phenomena that affect the quality of raw materials of mackerel. She urged the public not to worry because the process of withdrawing canned fish products from the particular production code has been guarded by all stakeholders.

"People also do not need to be afraid of consuming fish products in cans. Governments and business actors will ensure that unqualified products are no longer available in the community," she said.

As a regulator, BPOM would continue improving the effectiveness of supervision, while the business actors would improve and professionalism in product safety and quality, Penny added.

Furthermore, people as consumers could play an active rule in drug and food surveillance by reporting the products. Penny said, people must check package, label, and license, and expiration (KLIK) before buying or consuming food products.

"Make sure the packaging is in good condition, read the information on the label, and the marketing authorization from BPOM and the product not past the expiry date, Penny said.

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