The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) is optimistic about the potential of Indonesian processed food products to enter the Saudi Arabian market through a collaboration with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). The collaboration primarily focuses on ensuring the safety and quality of drugs and food, specifically concerning easy access to Indonesian food products for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Rita Endang, Deputy Head of Food Processing Oversight at BPOM, assured that all food products exported from Indonesia adhere to the highest safety and quality standards, complying with international regulations such as the Codex Alimentarius Guidelines.
During the visit of the SFDA delegation, various facilities were inspected, including fish processing units (UPI) and fish quarantine laboratories. Six UPI facilities in West Java, Central Java, and East Java, along with a fish pond in East Java, are ready for export to Saudi Arabia, having received recommendations from the Verification Committee. The Indonesian food safety system, encompassing production from source to table and involving relevant ministries and agencies, was highlighted for its robustness. SFDA delegation member Mohanad Alkaldi appreciated Indonesia's organized system and successful exportations, emphasizing their visit aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between both parties. Discussions also encompassed aspects of product oversight, including fisheries and marine product monitoring, coordination, actions on non-compliance, disease control, surveillance, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and radiation in products.
