India Delivers Critical Prussian Blue Capsules to Combat Cesium-137 Contamination Crisis in Indonesia

Jakarta:

India has delivered a shipment of Prussian Blue (Pru-Decorp) capsules to Indonesia to assist in managing Cesium-137 contamination after radioactive traces were detected in Indonesian food exports.

Acting promptly to Indonesia's Ministry of Health's request, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to rapidly mobilize and supply the essential capsules needed to combat Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination effects.

Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty personally delivered the medical supplies to Indonesian officials on Wednesday, highlighting India's commitment as a regional emergency responder. "The gift of Prussian Blue Capsules will support Indonesia's mitigation efforts for potential nuclear or radiological emergencies, specifically contamination involving Cesium-137," stated the Indian Embassy in Jakarta through a social media announcement.

The MEA characterized this assistance as part of the #IndiaFirstResponder initiative, underscoring India's dedication to regional cooperation and emergency response capabilities.

"#IndiaFirstResponder: Reaffirming India's commitment to regional cooperation. A consignment of essential medicines to help mitigate radiation exposure following a recent incident has been handed over to Indonesia," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal communicated via social media.

The emergency aid follows concerning discoveries in Indonesia, where authorities identified Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, at a clove farm on Sumatra island, triggering a nationwide investigation.

This development comes after officials detected Cesium-137 contamination in at least 22 facilities approximately 55 km west of Jakarta, as reported by CBS.

The investigation was initiated after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found Cesium-137 in Indonesian spices and frozen shrimp, resulting in product recalls and import restrictions.

According to the FDA, the isotope was discovered in cloves from PT Natural Java Spice (an Indonesian spice processing facility) and previously in shrimp exported by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati. Both companies are now prohibited from exporting to the United States until they can demonstrate their products are free of contamination.

The FDA has also implemented new requirements for imports of shrimp and spices from certain Indonesian regions, which now need certification, citing radioactive contamination concerns.

Indonesian authorities have intensified inspections and restricted movement in affected areas to prevent further contamination spread, according to CBS News.

The FDA warns that prolonged exposure to Cesium-137, even at low levels, can increase cancer risk. This isotope, produced during nuclear reactions, has applications in industrial, medical, and research sectors.