Cause Cancer, Elementary School Snacks Seized

Depok, Indonesia - Depok City Health Department returned confiscated dozens of snacks in elementary schools that contain harmful food additives (BTP).

The schools targeted are schools that do not provide the student canteen and let the kids buy snacks outside of school.

Hardiono Depok health office head, said it would continue to raid the schools that do not have a cafeteria and admonished every street traders who are still using the BTP. Hardi explained, BTP is a substance dye and food preservatives. 

"Unfortunately there is no cafeteria at the elementary school this 5 Bakti Jaya. If harmful preservatives such as borax and formaldehyde, if perwarna hazardous substances such as textile dyes, which when used for long periods will cause cancer, "he told reporters on Wednesday (7/4/2010).

Further samples of snack such as tofu, rice cake, ice coconut, ice syrup, meatball, and the nugget will be tested in the laboratory Bogor Agricultural University (IPB). While traders will be reprimanded in writing and nurtured to be given criminal sanction violations of the Consumer Protection Act.

"It could be criminal, if he's going too far can not be fostered. Later we will coordinate with the police and the Office of Trade, "he said.

One hawker traders sausage and brains, Yadi, denied her use of food additives dangerous on wares. Yadi admitted, the children so enthusiastic about like a hawker who sells when the time off school arrived.

"Many are like. If sauce is baseball I love anything, just mixed with warm water and already cooked. Income one school alone can Rp. 20.000 to Rp. 40.000, "said Yadi. 

DHO raided at least 60 elementary schools from April 7 to 20 April. Foreclosure was held to create a healthy canteens in all schools in Depok.