Analysis of Rhodamine B Content in Terasi that are not Registered in the Ministry of Health by Paper Chromatography Method

Abstract

Rhodamine B is a synthetic dye compound used in the textile and plastic industries, but not intended for food products due to its carcinogenic potential that poses health risks to humans. Nevertheless, many food producers still use Rhodamine B as a food coloring, such as in shrimp paste, crackers, syrup, and cotton candy. This study aims to identify the presence of Rhodamine B in shrimp paste products that do not have distribution permits from the Ministry of Health. A total of 10 shrimp paste samples—comprising 8 samples without a Ministry of Health distribution permit and 2 reference samples with official permits—were analyzed using the paper chromatography method, which is known to be simple, economical, and effective for qualitative analysis. Samples were randomly collected from traditional markets in Yogyakarta and surrounding areas, considering variations in the sources and distribution of shrimp paste products sold without official permits. Samples of shrimp paste products with official permits were obtained from registered stores or distributors with guaranteed safety. Colorant extraction was carried out using defatted wool yarn, while Whatman No. 1 filter paper was used as the stationary phase, and the eluent solvent consisted of a mixture of 2% NaCl in 50% alcohol. This method allows the identification of Rhodamine B with accurate results without requiring complex laboratory equipment. The analysis results showed that out of the 10 samples tested, eight samples (codes A, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I) tested positive for Rhodamine B, while the other two samples (codes B and J) did not contain the dye. All samples found to contain Rhodamine B came from shrimp paste products without Ministry of Health distribution permits. These findings indicate that illegal shrimp paste products are more likely to contain hazardous substances, and it is important for the public to be more vigilant in choosing food products that are guaranteed safe.