Formaldehyde found in chicken, fish

JAKARTA (Jakarta Post) : The Jakarta administration detected formaldehyde in chickens and fish being sold Friday at the Rumput traditional market in South Jakarta.

The head of the business, marketing and quality control division at the City Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Maritime Agency, Enny Pudjiwati, said four out of 14 samples tested contained formaldehyde.

Samples were taken from six stalls at the market, with the suspect meat coming from four separate stalls.

Enny said people should inspect meat closely to determine whether or not it contains formaldehyde.

"Fish containing formaldehyde usually looks pale. It also feels rubber-like when poked," she said.

"Chickens that contain formaldehyde have a similar appearance, but they also have shiny flesh."

She said meat containing formaldehyde generally did not attract flies.

Enny said the agency was only able to inspect markets every month to make sure products being sold were safe for consumption.

"One of the obstacles we face is ... our limited budget," she said.