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| Exposed: National Food Task Force Investigates Quality of Packaged Rice – 22 Witnesses Already Questioned. |
Have you ever bought a 5 kg bag of rice, only to find that it didn’t cook the way you expected? It turns out that Indonesia’s National Police Food Task Force is currently investigating suspicions of low-quality rice being sold under misleading labels in the market. And this isn’t just a rumor — they’ve already questioned 22 witnesses.
Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf, the head of the Food Task Force, confirmed that investigators have looked into six companies and eight brands of packaged rice (5 kg bags). So far, 22 people have been questioned in the ongoing investigation. However, the authorities haven’t revealed which companies or brands are involved.
Focus of the Investigation: Alleged Mislabeling and Quality Violations
This investigation is being carried out to determine whether there has been any criminal activity, especially in relation to packaging rice with labels that do not match the actual product content. This includes differences in quality, improper mixing of rice types, or violations of government standards.
“Our investigators are still conducting in-depth questioning to see if any laws were broken,” said Brigadier General Helfi during a press briefing on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Widening the Scope: 25 More Rice Brands Under Review
And it doesn’t stop there. Starting today, the Food Task Force is also investigating 25 more rice brands sold in 5 kg packages. This expansion is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure that consumers are not being misled.
According to circulating reports, 10 rice producers are currently under further scrutiny. However, not all of them have been officially questioned by the task force yet.
Why This Matters to You
Rice is a staple food in nearly every household in Indonesia. If the quality of packaged rice isn’t up to standard, it’s not just a waste of money — it could potentially affect people’s health. That’s why this investigation is so important.
As responsible consumers, here are a few simple things you can do when buying rice:
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Always read the label and nutritional information
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Make sure the product has the proper licenses or certifications from local food authorities
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Don’t be easily tempted by cheap prices — quality and safety matter more
What Happens Next?
With more individuals and companies being questioned, the public is hoping for a clear and transparent resolution. If any companies are found guilty of misrepresenting their products or violating food safety laws, legal action should follow. Consumers deserve protection, especially when it comes to daily essentials like rice.
Brigadier General Helfi emphasized that the Food Task Force will continue to monitor the distribution of basic food products in the market, especially during major national events or holidays, when the risk of price speculation or food quality manipulation tends to rise.
This case of suspected poor-quality packaged rice is a serious wake-up call for everyone — from producers and distributors to everyday shoppers. The fact that 22 witnesses have already been examined shows that the authorities are taking this matter seriously.
Let’s stay informed, be smart shoppers, and support all initiatives that ensure food safety and quality. Because what we eat every day should be exactly what we paid for — clean, safe, and trustworthy.