National Food Agency finds 93% of fortified rice samples fail standards

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has revealed that 93 percent of tested fortified rice samples failed to meet required nutritional standards. Following laboratory tests on 178 samples across 11 provinces, officials found that the majority of products claiming to be enriched with vitamins did not contain the specified nutrients.

Andi Amran Sulaiman, Head of Bapanas and Minister of Agriculture, characterized the findings as a serious issue of consumer deception. He noted that fortified rice is often sold at significantly higher prices than regular rice—for example, priced at Rp40,000 per kilogram compared to the standard Rp13,500. Sulaiman stated that the price difference, which can reach Rp20,000 to Rp22,000 per kilo, constitutes “fraud” rather than legitimate profit when the nutritional claims are false.

In addition to nutritional deficiencies, the agency identified labeling issues where products claimed to be enriched but only listed two types of nutrients on their packaging. The government is currently investigating the specific products and businesses involved in these violations.