Indonesian Police seize fortified rice for labeling fraud

The Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) has launched an investigation into PT DTA for allegedly selling fortified rice with nutritional content that does not match the claims on its packaging. The investigation follows findings by the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and the Police Food Task Force.

Authorities have seized 1,194 packages of fortified rice, weighing a total of 6,405 kilograms, with an estimated value of Rp155.29 million. Additionally, a rice milling machine unit valued at approximately Rp1 billion was confiscated from the production site located in the Cipinang Rice Market, East Jakarta.

The investigation identified five specific brands produced by PT DTA that failed laboratory testing: Idola Hijau Fortifikasi, Idola Merah Fortifikasi, Raja Lele, Cantik Manis, and Wijaya Kusuma. Investigators noted that because fortified rice lacks a maximum retail price, some actors may exploit the category to sell premium rice at higher prices using false fortification claims.