Investigating borax and formaldehyde contamination in Indonesia's favorite meatballs
Bakso - these meat-based spherical delights have become one of Indonesia's most popular foods, including in Trenggalek District. From street vendors to restaurants, bakso accompanies lunch and dinner with its appetizing broth. However, behind its deliciousness, invisible health threats may be lurking.
The use of borax and formaldehyde as illegal preservatives in bakso has become a serious concern in food safety. These hazardous chemicals are still found in various food products in the market, despite being officially banned by Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) 3 .
Borax and formaldehyde are illegally used to extend shelf life and improve texture, posing serious health risks to consumers.
Bakso is enjoyed by millions of Indonesians daily, making contamination a significant public health concern.
Borax (boric acid) is a chemical compound commonly used in non-food industries such as glass manufacturing, cleaning products, and other household items 3 .
Formaldehyde is a solution typically used as a disinfectant and preservative for biological specimens 3 .
| Aspect | Borax | Formaldehyde |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Use | Glass making, cleaning materials | Disinfectant, specimen preservative |
| Reason for Food Misuse | Provides chewy texture | Extends shelf life |
| Short-term Health Effects | Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea | Nausea, vomiting, mucous membrane damage |
| Long-term Health Effects | Nervous system, kidney, liver damage | Cancer, organ damage, genetic mutations |
| Regulatory Status | Banned by BPOM for food 3 | Banned by BPOM for food 3 |
Bakso samples were randomly collected from various sales points in Trenggalek District.
Samples were processed to facilitate extraction and testing procedures.
Using test paper and chemical reaction with AgNO3 (silver nitrate). Positive results indicated by color change to brick red .
Using test kit reagent containing KMnO4 (potassium permanganate). Positive results shown by color change to purple 2 .
The study revealed concerning facts about bakso food safety in Trenggalek District. From the samples tested, several showed positive results for borax and formaldehyde, though not all samples were contaminated.
| Sales Location | Bakso Type | Borax Test | Formaldehyde Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Vendor A | Beef bakso | Positive | Negative |
| Permanent Stall B | Chicken bakso | Negative | Positive |
| Food Stall C | Mixed bakso | Negative | Negative |
| Street Vendor D | Tendon bakso | Positive | Negative |
| Permanent Stall E | Beef bakso | Negative | Negative |
Visual comparison chart would appear here
Data shows variation in contamination levels across different regions
The higher percentage of bakso positive for borax compared to formaldehyde in some studies may indicate that borax is more accessible to traders, or possibly because borax's function as a texturizer is more desirable for producing chewy bakso texture.
This finding underscores the importance of strict supervision by authorities and continuous education for traders and the public. For traders, there needs to be socialization about safe substitute ingredients that can produce the desired texture and shelf life without endangering consumer health.
In identifying borax and formaldehyde, researchers and food monitoring officers use various methods and chemical reagents. These methods are generally performed in laboratories with adequate equipment.
Besides laboratory methods, there are also simple detection methods that can be performed by the public using natural materials 1 5 .
| Natural Material | Active Compound | Color Change for Borax | Color Change for Formaldehyde |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turmeric | Curcumin | Reddish brown | - |
| Dragon Fruit Skin/Purple Flowers | Anthocyanin | Green | Reddish brown |
Although detection methods with natural materials are not as accurate as laboratory methods, they can be a simple alternative that the public can use as an initial test to detect borax and formaldehyde in food 5 .
Based on the identification study of borax and formaldehyde content in bakso in Trenggalek District, it can be concluded that there are still bakso sold in the market that contain borax and formaldehyde, although not all samples are contaminated.
The use of borax and formaldehyde in bakso constitutes a violation of food safety regulations and endangers public health. The health effects caused can be acute or chronic, including the potential to cause cancer in the long term.
To protect the public from the dangers of borax and formaldehyde in bakso and other food products, a comprehensive approach involving all stakeholders is required:
With cooperation from all parties, it is hoped that the food safety of bakso and other food products in Trenggalek District and throughout Indonesia can be guaranteed, so that the public can enjoy their favorite foods without worrying about lurking health dangers.