Is it safe to consume Indomie.............?

This is the story of Indomie, a noodle product in the packaging, which is usually presented in an instant.In Indonesia, Indomie successfully educate more people to eat instant noodles in everyday life.On behalf of practicality, this instant noodles spread to all levels of society.As a breakfast menu or as a meal in between lunch and dinner.


Just recently, in Taiwan, the official Department of Health Taiwan raided in the supermarkets and confiscated a brand of instant noodles Indomie.According to tests conducted by the Department of Health Taiwan, Indomie has 2 preservatives that do not qualify for the classification of imported goods, namely preservatives Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate (E218) in the oil and preservative benzoic acid in the marinade.The content of additives in foods that are considered harmful to health.

Then, what is Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate?

Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate or usually called Methyl paraben are a classification of chemicals widely used as food-grade preservatives. Methyl and propyl are prefixes designating two types of parabens commonly used for these purposes. Methylparaben is identified as E218 and propylparaben as E216.

Parabens are technically known as esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. They develop from an organic acid and an alcohol. Although parabens occur in nature, all commercially used parabens are produced synthetically.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows certain preservatives to prevent microbial growth and preserve product integrity in cosmetics, medicines and food.The FDA designates both methylparaben and propylparaben as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food additives.

You can find these preservatives listed on labels of cereals, bakery products, chocolate and cocoa products, beverages, and more. The substances are added to prevent spoilage.

Methylparaben and propylparaben also are included in shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, shaving gels, spray tanning solutions, deodorants and antiperspirants, toothpaste, and other products.

Because of Indomie furor in Taiwan, Malaysia to test the security aspects of consuming Indomie.Malayasia Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai Series on Wednesday (13/10/2010), said it has tested 30 out of 77 samples of Indomie in the local market and found no preservatives hydroxylbenzoic acid methyl ester."The ministry wants to ensure that eat Indomie not pose a health risk for consumers," he said, as quoted by The Star Malaysia.

Singapore also said Indomie safe and can be consumed by the citizens of the country.Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore, has conducted laboratory testing Indomie.From AVA test results, as quoted by the Straits Times, so far shows that parahydroxy sodium benzoate was not detected in Indomie traded in Singapore.

Indomie consumed for years in many countries.And during it all, only Taiwan that include Indomie in the category are not safe for consumption.There is always something hidden behind an event.What is clear, until now, I still eat Indomie.