Ensuring the safety and quality of products we consume or use is paramount. In Indonesia, the Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BPOM), which translates to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, plays a crucial role in overseeing the circulation of drugs and food products across the nation. Similar to the FDA in the United States, BPOM is the authority responsible for ensuring that products meet safety standards before they reach consumers. One of the convenient methods to verify if a product is registered with BPOM is by scanning its barcode. This article will guide you on how to effectively perform a BPOM barcode scan and understand the significance of BPOM verification.
Understanding BPOM and Its Role
The primary task of BPOM is to regulate and supervise drugs and food products in Indonesia. Their responsibilities are clearly outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 80 of 2017. BPOM’s oversight extends to a wide range of items, including:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Drug ingredients
- Narcotics, psychotropics, and precursors
- Addictive substances
- Traditional medicines
- Health supplements
- Cosmetics
- Processed food
To effectively carry out its mandate, BPOM performs several key functions as detailed in Presidential Regulation No. 80 of 2017 and BPOM Regulation No. 12 of 2018:
- Policy Formulation: Developing national policies for drug and food supervision.
- Policy Implementation: Executing these policies nationwide.
- Standard Setting: Establishing norms, standards, procedures, and criteria for pre-market and post-market supervision.
- Pre-Market and Post-Market Supervision: Overseeing products before and after they are available to the public.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Collaborating with other government bodies on drug and food supervision.
- Technical Guidance and Supervision: Providing guidance and oversight in the sector.
- Law Enforcement: Taking action against violations of regulations in the drug and food sector.
- Administrative Support: Managing administrative tasks and state assets related to BPOM’s operations.
- Performance Monitoring: Supervising the execution of tasks within BPOM.
Essentially, BPOM acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only safe and compliant products are available in the Indonesian market, protecting public health and safety.
Why Check BPOM Registration?
Verifying BPOM registration is crucial for several reasons:
- Consumer Safety: BPOM registration assures that a product has been evaluated for safety and quality. Unregistered products may pose health risks due to unsafe ingredients or manufacturing processes.
- Legality and Compliance: In Indonesia, it is illegal to distribute drugs, food, cosmetics, and other regulated products without BPOM approval. Checking registration helps ensure you are using or consuming legally compliant products.
- Product Authenticity: While barcode scanning primarily verifies registration, it can also indirectly help in identifying potentially counterfeit products. Registered products are less likely to be fake.
- Informed Choices: Knowing a product is BPOM-registered empowers consumers to make informed decisions about what they purchase and use, prioritizing safety and quality.
How to Scan BPOM Barcodes: A Step-by-Step Guide
The most straightforward method to check BPOM registration via barcode is using the BPOM Mobile application. Here’s how:
- Download the BPOM Mobile App: Find and install the “BPOM Mobile” application from either the Google Play Store (for Android users) or the App Store (for iOS users).
- Register/Login: Open the application and click on the ‘Register’ button. Fill in your details such as full name, email address, phone number, and create a password. If you already have an account, simply log in.
- Activate GPS: Ensure that the GPS or location services on your smartphone are turned on. This is often required for the app to function correctly with scanning features.
- Select ‘Scan Product’: Once logged in, navigate to the main menu and select the ‘Scan Produk’ (Scan Product) option.
- Scan the Barcode: Point your smartphone camera at the barcode of the product you wish to check. Make sure the barcode is well-lit and clearly visible within the camera frame for a smooth scanning process.
- View Product Information: If the product is legitimately registered with BPOM, the application will display the product’s certification number and detailed information. This confirms the product’s registration status.
- Unregistered Product Indication: If the product is not registered, the application will not display any information, indicating that the product may not be approved by BPOM. In some cases, it might indicate an error or inability to find the product in the database.
Alternative Method: Checking BPOM Online
Besides barcode scanning, you can also verify BPOM registration through the official BPOM website. This is useful if you don’t have the product barcode readily available or prefer using a computer.
- Visit the BPOM Website: Open your web browser and go to the official BPOM product checking website: cekbpom.pom.go.id.
- Enter Search Criteria: On the website, you will find a search form. You can search using various criteria:
- Brand Name: Enter the brand name of the product.
- Product Name: Enter the specific product name.
- Registration Code: If you know the BPOM registration code, enter it directly for a precise search.
- Initiate Search: After entering your search term, click the “Cari” (Search) button.
- Review Search Results: The website will display a list of products matching your search criteria. Look for the specific product you are checking.
- Verify Product Details: Click on the product name in the search results to view detailed information, including its BPOM registration number, brand, manufacturer, and other relevant details. This confirms its registration status.
What to Do If a Product Is Not Registered
If your BPOM barcode scan or online check indicates that a product is not registered, exercise caution. Consider the following steps:
- Discontinue Use: If you have already purchased or are using the product, it is advisable to discontinue its use, especially for consumable or topical products.
- Report to BPOM: You can report unregistered products to BPOM through their official channels. This helps BPOM in taking action against illegal and potentially harmful products.
- Choose Registered Alternatives: Opt for products that are verified to be BPOM-registered to ensure safety and compliance.
- Further Verification (If Uncertain): If you are unsure about the results or suspect an error, you can contact BPOM directly through their customer service channels for further clarification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, performing a BPOM barcode scan or utilizing the online check facility are vital steps in ensuring product safety and compliance in Indonesia. By taking the time to verify product registration, consumers can protect themselves from potentially harmful products and support businesses that adhere to regulatory standards. Always prioritize products with verified BPOM registration for your health and safety.
