The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has issued a critical public warning after identifying 24 herbal supplements and coffee products found to contain hazardous chemical drug substances. Laboratory tests confirmed that these traditional medicines were illegally adulterated with potent synthetic chemicals, including sildenafil and tadalafil. This discovery poses significant health risks to consumers and undermines the integrity of the legitimate herbal industry. In response, BPOM has officially revoked the distribution permits for these specific products and mandated their immediate withdrawal from all retail markets.
The authority is intensifying its surveillance and enforcement actions to prevent the circulation of counterfeit or adulterated traditional medicines. Strategic collaborations with law enforcement agencies aim to track the manufacturers and distributors responsible for these illegal production practices. Business associations are also being urged to strengthen their internal quality control systems and ensure full compliance with national safety standards. Moving forward, the synergy between strict government regulation and industry transparency will be essential in restoring public trust in Indonesia’s herbal and functional beverage sectors.
