Indonesia regulator defends Indomie noodles after cancer fears spark recalls

Indonesia's food regulator has defended an instant noodles product by the country's popular Indomie brand following recalls in Taiwan and Malaysia over fears linked to the discovery of a cancer-inducing substance. 

The National Agency of Drug and Food Control said the "Indomie Special Chicken Flavour" noodles available in Indonesia was safe for consumption as it met its safety standards, according to a report by Reuters. 

It also urged food industry company Indofood CBP to ensure its products did not contain high levels of ethylene oxide.

Ethylene oxide is a chemical gas that is carcinogenic and is often used as pesticides. It is also an active ingredient in detergents, not allowed to be used on surfaces that come into contact with food.

The "Indomie Special Chicken Flavour" noodles was one of two products which the health ministry ordered pulled from local shelves earlier this week, following a report by Taipei's department of health.

The other was Malaysia's "Ah Lai Penang White Curry". 

The ministry also ordered checks on the Indomie product at all entry points and asked Indofood to recall it.

Indonesian trade ministry official Budi Santoso was also quoted by Reuters as saying that Indomie in the country was safe. 

He added that Taiwan's regulations "are very sensitive, different with us", according to the report.