Careful Use of Melamine Dining Equipment

Community asked to be cautious using melamine tableware because based on the results of POM, 30 products with melamine tableware in the type of plates, bowls, spoons, forks, glasses, and sodet circulating in Indonesia tested positive for the release of formaldehyde and melamine are potentially harmful to health.

This was said by Chief Dr POM. Husniah Rubiana Thamrin Akib, MS, M. Kes, SpFK told reporters in Jakarta, Monday, June one, 2009 when it announced Warnings / Public Warning on Eating Equipment from Melamine.

Results of laboratory tests conducted by the POM of 62 sample products melamine tableware found 30 positive products release formaldehyde and melamine when used to contain foods that are watery or sour taste, in hot conditions. Levels of formaldehyde that is released these products vary, ranging from the low section (one ppm) to the section of high (161 ppm), said the head of the POM.

Further to say, formaldehyde and melamine tableware released by the potential hazard to health because it may cause cancer, kidney stones, kidney failure, urinary tract assault, and destroy to body organs and causing death, said Dr. Husniah.

Of the 30 products that tested positive for formaldehyde issue, there's some that are domestic products, but most of it is imported from China, judging from the inscription that is on the back of the product as "Zak Designs China", "Mei Shin Melamine" and "Melamine Ware Made In China". The products sampled were found circulating in supermarkets and traditional markets.

In plain view, the products that are harmful to health can not be distinguished from similar products that are not hazardous, so to know the product is hazardous or not ought to be tested in the laboratory.

For individuals who need further information or who find these products can contact the POM Affairs through the Consumer Complaints Service Unit at phone number 021-4263333 and 021-32199000 or by e-mail and uplkbadanpom@yahoo.com ulpk@pom.go.id or check the net site POM, www.pom.go.id

Responding about the lots of harmful products circulating in Indonesian. Dr. Husniah said it could not make withdrawals of melamine products such as orbit permission from the Ministry of Trade & Industry. To menindaklajutinya POM have reported these findings and coordinate with all relevant parties for products that potentially endanger public health is no longer circulating in Indonesia, said Dr. Husniah.

This information is published by the Middle for Public Communication, Secretariat General of the Ministry of Health. For more information contact by phone / fax: 021-52907416-9 and 52921669, or e-mail puskom.depkes @ gmail.com and puskom.publik @ yahoo.co.id.