PBNU Urges Urgent Scrutiny to Safeguard Halal Integrity in Children’s Snacks
A Crucial Inspection Initiative
In a significant move to safeguard the dietary choices of Muslim children, Yahya Cholil Staquf, the General Chair of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), has called upon the government to conduct thorough inspections of organizations responsible for issuing halal labels on children’s snacks. This initiative comes in light of alarming discoveries that some snacks contain ingredients derived from pork, raising serious concerns about the integrity of halal certification.
During a press conference held at the PBNU headquarters in Central Jakarta on April 22, 2025, Yahya emphasized the importance of a robust inspection mechanism within halal product guarantee institutions. “We must ensure that the institutions issuing halal labels are held accountable,” he stated, highlighting the need for vigilance in maintaining halal standards.
The Importance of Vigilance
Yahya’s call for inspection is not merely a procedural formality, it represents a proactive approach to uncovering potentially harmful products in the market. “If we can identify more products that do not meet halal standards, it indicates that our supervisory controls are functioning effectively,” he remarked. This proactive stance aims to protect consumers, particularly children, from inadvertently consuming non-halal products.
Recent Findings: A Wake-Up Call
The urgency of this inspection initiative is underscored by recent findings from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). These agencies revealed a troubling list of processed food items that were confirmed to contain pork-derived ingredients. Among the products flagged are:
- Corniche Fluffy Jelly Marshmallow (Various Flavors: Lychee, Orange, Strawberry, Grape)
- Corniche Teddy Apple Flavored Marshmallow
- ChompChomp Car Mallow (Car Shaped Marshmallow)
- ChompChomp Flower Mallow (Flower Shaped Marshmallow)
- ChompChomp Tube-shaped Marshmallow (Mini Marshmallow)
- Hakiki Gelatin (Food Additive for Gel Formation)
- Larbee – TYL Marshmallow with Vanilla Filling
- AAA Orange Flavored Marshmallow
- SWEETME Chocolate Flavored Marshmallow
These revelations have sparked widespread concern among parents and community leaders, prompting calls for immediate action.
A Collective Responsibility
In a related statement, Jasra Putra, Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), expressed the commission’s readiness to receive reports regarding processed food products that carry halal labels but contain pork. He urged law enforcement to conduct prompt inspections of the laboratories responsible for certifying these products. “We also encourage parents to be vigilant and ensure that their children do not purchase or consume these flagged products,” Jasra advised, emphasizing the role of parental oversight in protecting children’s health.
The recent findings regarding pork-derived ingredients in children’s snacks have ignited a crucial conversation about food safety and halal integrity. As the PBNU and KPAI rally for inspections and accountability, it is imperative for consumers, especially parents, to remain informed and proactive. Together, we can ensure that our children enjoy safe, halal-certified snacks that align with their dietary beliefs and health needs.
Original Article:
Tempo.co. (2025, April 22). PBNU urges inspection on halal label issuers for children’s snacks containing porcine. Tempo English. https://en.tempo.co/read/1999550/pbnu-urges-inspection-on-halal-label-issuers-for-childrens-snacks-containing-porcine
