Jakarta, Oct. 6 -- Indonesia's National Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) said Monday it is taking three key steps to address cesium-137 contamination detected in shrimp and cloves, including decontamination, a joint assessment with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the reimport of some raw materials.

BPOM head Taruna Ikrar said the measures reflect Indonesia's professional approach to assuring the U.S. and global markets of its commitment to food safety and its resolve to safeguard the country's reputation.

"We will convince the US with data, not through apologies or denials," Ikrar told reporters.

BPOM, he added, is working with the national Cesium-137 Task Force to conduct decontamination and a joint risk assessment with t...