In many parts of Indonesia, the approach of Ramadan brings a familiar change in rhythm. Markets grow busier, small shops extend their hours, and families begin preparing the ingredients that will fill their kitchens during the month of fasting. It is a season marked not only by devotion but also by a lively exchange of food across neighborhoods and cities.
Behind this vibrant marketplace, however, another quiet effort unfolds—one that aims to ensure the safety of what reaches dining tables. Inspectors visit warehouses, supermarkets, and traditional markets, checking labels, expiration dates, and packaging. Their task is simple in principle yet complex in practice: to make sure that the food circulating during this important season remains safe for consumers.
Recently, that effort revealed findings that have drawn national attention.
Indonesia’s Food and Drug Monitoring Agency, known as BPOM, announced that it had discovered more than 56,000 food products that did not meet regulatory requirements during inspections conducted ahead of Ramadan.
The discovery emerged from a nationwide monitoring campaign carried out in markets, distribution centers, and retail outlets across various provinces. The inspections focused primarily on packaged food products that tend to see higher demand as households prepare for the fasting month.
According to BPOM officials, the majority of the products flagged during the inspections were found to have issues related to labeling, distribution permits, or expiration dates. Some items were reportedly sold without proper authorization, while others were discovered to have passed their recommended consumption period.
The findings highlight the complex journey that food products often take before reaching consumers. From factories and import channels to distributors and retailers, each step introduces the possibility of oversight or non-compliance if regulations are not carefully followed.
Ramadan, with its surge in food demand, can amplify these challenges. As sales increase and supply chains accelerate to meet consumer needs, monitoring agencies typically intensify their inspections to prevent unsafe or unauthorized products from circulating widely.
BPOM’s monitoring program this year involved coordinated inspections conducted by regional offices across the country. Officers visited supermarkets, traditional markets, and food warehouses, checking whether products met Indonesia’s safety and labeling standards.
In several cases, authorities reported that products lacked clear expiration dates or carried labeling that did not comply with regulatory guidelines. Others were identified as imported items that had entered the market without the proper registration process required by Indonesian authorities.
While the number of non-compliant products reached more than 56,000 units, BPOM clarified that these findings represent items identified during inspections rather than products confirmed to have caused health incidents.
The agency emphasized that the purpose of the campaign is preventive. By identifying products that fail to meet standards, regulators aim to remove them from circulation before they reach a wider consumer base.
Beyond enforcement, BPOM has also encouraged businesses and distributors to review their supply chains and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Retailers are advised to check product documentation, confirm registration status, and monitor expiration dates before placing items on store shelves.
For consumers, the agency recommends paying attention to basic indicators such as packaging integrity, labeling information, and official registration numbers. These simple checks can help shoppers make more informed choices when purchasing packaged foods.
In a country where food plays a central role in daily life and cultural traditions, especially during Ramadan, the reliability of what is sold in markets carries deep significance.
As the fasting month approaches, BPOM says inspections will continue in various regions, with authorities working alongside local governments to maintain oversight of the food supply.
For now, the agency has confirmed the discovery of more than 56,000 products that did not meet regulatory requirements and stated that monitoring efforts will remain active throughout the Ramadan period.
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