Conduct regular monitoring of chlorine content in rice

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 79 views

Analysis of Chlorine Content (CL) on Rice and the Level of Seller's Knowledge in the Padang Bulan Sore Market in Medan City in 2018

Introduction

Rice is a staple food in Indonesia, and its quality is crucial for the health and well-being of the population. However, the use of chlorine as a rice bleach has become a common practice among some traders, posing a significant health risk to consumers. Chlorine is a chemical that is commonly used to kill germs, but when entering the body, it can react and form hypochlorus acid, which has the potential to cause health problems. This study aims to explore the presence of chlorine content in rice sold in the Padang Bulan Sore market and evaluate the level of seller's knowledge about chlorine in rice.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive survey method involving 11 rice traders as objects and 12 rice brands as subjects. The test was carried out in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of North Sumatra (USU) using the argentometric method. The results showed that there were chlorine content in all rice samples tested, with the highest levels reaching 0.06625 ppm and lowest 0.00325 ppm.

Results

The level of knowledge of the seller regarding the use of chlorine can be divided into three categories. A total of 5 sellers (45.5%) are in the good category, 5 sellers (45.5%) in the medium category, and 1 seller (9.1%) in the less category. Although most respondents claimed to have heard about the use of chlorine as a rice whitening, a good level of understanding still needs to be improved.

Discussion

According to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 033 of 2012 concerning food additives, the use of chlorine in rice is prohibited. This shows a health risk that can be caused if people consume rice containing chlorine. The presence of chlorine in rice can lead to various health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer. Therefore, it is essential to educate the community about the dangers of chlorine in rice and promote the use of safe and healthy food ingredients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of monitoring the chlorine content in rice sold in the market and evaluating the level of seller's knowledge about chlorine in rice. The results of this study show that there is a significant presence of chlorine content in rice samples tested, and the level of knowledge of the seller regarding the use of chlorine is still limited. Therefore, it is recommended that the Health Office and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) provide counseling to traders regarding the negative impact of the use of chlorine and conduct supervision of rice circulating in the market. With better knowledge, it is hoped that sellers can be more aware of the potential dangers of chlorine and educate consumers about the selection of safe rice.

Recommendations

To ensure the quality and safety of rice sold in the market, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct regular monitoring of chlorine content in rice: The Health Office and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) should conduct regular monitoring of chlorine content in rice sold in the market to ensure that it meets the safety standards.
Provide counseling to traders: The Health Office and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) should provide counseling to traders regarding the negative impact of the use of chlorine and promote the use of safe and healthy food ingredients.
Conduct supervision of rice circulating in the market: The Health Office and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) should conduct supervision of rice circulating in the market to ensure that it meets the safety standards.
Educate consumers about the selection of safe rice: Sellers should educate consumers about the selection of safe rice and promote the use of chlorine-free rice.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the importance of monitoring the chlorine content in rice sold in the market and evaluating the level of seller's knowledge about chlorine in rice. Future research directions include:

Conducting a larger-scale study: Conducting a larger-scale study to evaluate the presence of chlorine content in rice sold in different markets and evaluate the level of seller's knowledge about chlorine in rice.
Investigating the impact of chlorine on human health: Investigating the impact of chlorine on human health and the potential health risks associated with the consumption of chlorine-containing rice.
Developing a chlorine-free rice certification program: Developing a chlorine-free rice certification program to promote the use of safe and healthy food ingredients.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size of this study is limited, and therefore, the results may not be generalizable to the larger population.
Limited scope: The scope of this study is limited to the Padang Bulan Sore market, and therefore, the results may not be applicable to other markets.
Limited data collection methods: The data collection methods used in this study are limited, and therefore, the results may not be comprehensive.

Conclusion

Q: What is chlorine and why is it used in rice?

A: Chlorine is a chemical that is commonly used to kill germs and bacteria. In the context of rice, chlorine is used as a bleach to whiten the rice and make it appear more appealing to consumers. However, the use of chlorine in rice is prohibited by the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 033 of 2012 concerning food additives.

Q: What are the health risks associated with consuming chlorine-containing rice?

A: The presence of chlorine in rice can lead to various health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer. Chlorine can also react with other substances in the body to form toxic compounds that can cause harm.

Q: How can I identify if the rice I am buying contains chlorine?

A: Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify if the rice you are buying contains chlorine. However, you can look for certifications such as the "chlorine-free" label or check with the seller to see if they use chlorine in their rice.

Q: What can I do to protect myself and my family from the health risks associated with chlorine-containing rice?

A: To protect yourself and your family from the health risks associated with chlorine-containing rice, you can take the following steps:

Choose rice that is certified as chlorine-free
Check with the seller to see if they use chlorine in their rice
Cook rice thoroughly to reduce the risk of chlorine exposure
Avoid consuming rice that has been stored for a long time or has been exposed to high temperatures

Q: What can be done to prevent the use of chlorine in rice?

A: To prevent the use of chlorine in rice, the following steps can be taken:

Educate consumers about the dangers of chlorine in rice
Promote the use of chlorine-free rice
Conduct regular monitoring of chlorine content in rice sold in the market
Provide counseling to traders regarding the negative impact of the use of chlorine

Q: What is the role of the Health Office and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) in preventing the use of chlorine in rice?

A: The Health Office and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) play a crucial role in preventing the use of chlorine in rice. They can:

Conduct regular monitoring of chlorine content in rice sold in the market
Provide counseling to traders regarding the negative impact of the use of chlorine
Promote the use of chlorine-free rice
Take enforcement action against traders who use chlorine in their rice

Q: What can be done to improve the level of knowledge of sellers regarding the use of chlorine in rice?

A: To improve the level of knowledge of sellers regarding the use of chlorine in rice, the following steps can be taken:

Provide education and training to sellers about the dangers of chlorine in rice
Promote the use of chlorine-free rice
Conduct regular monitoring of chlorine content in rice sold in the market
Provide counseling to sellers regarding the negative impact of the use of chlorine

Q: What is the importance of choosing safe and healthy food ingredients?

A: Choosing safe and healthy food ingredients is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. Chlorine-containing rice is a significant health risk, and choosing chlorine-free rice can help to reduce this risk.