The Chief of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), Penny Kusumastuti Lukito, officially inaugurated the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Laboratory on the preceding Thursday, dated 17th August 2023. This significant step marks the establishment of a pivotal facility within the realm of BPOM’s responsibilities – one that is specifically designed to manage toxic and carcinogenic substances.
Speaking to the press at the BPOM premises, she emphasized the crucial nature of the BSL-3 Laboratory for drug and food testing. The use of Biosafety Level 3, she noted, is paramount due to the hazardous and carcinogenic attributes of the substances they handle. Her words underscore the stringent safety measures required for such sensitive materials, with Biosafety Level 3 being the appropriate standard.
Furthermore, Penny Kusumastuti Lukito highlighted that the BSL-3 Laboratory now conforms to international standards. She underscored the advancements made, indicating a heightened capacity to handle even more sensitive and perilous substances. This enhancement in capacity is a testament to BPOM’s commitment to ensuring rigorous safety protocols.
Elaborating on the technicalities, the Chief of BPOM outlined that the BSL-3 Laboratory is housed within the National Drug and Food Testing Development Center (PPPOMN) building. This state-of-the-art laboratory operates at a biological safety level of 3.
Delving deeper into the concept of a Level 3 facility, she explained that its construction aligns with the necessity of accommodating a broader range of testing and the cultivation of pathogen risk group 3 cultures. These cultures are pertinent in the analysis of drugs and food suspected of being contaminated with infectious pathogens of risk group 3.
Notably, pathogen risk group 3 embodies a category of pathogens that, if not promptly identified, possess the potential to give rise to widespread pandemics. Their propensity to propagate rapidly underscores the urgency of early identification and mitigation strategies.
In light of these concerns, Penny Kusumastuti Lukito emphasized the criticality of proactive prevention. She highlighted the need to forestall adverse outcomes by addressing potential hazards at their inception.
Conclusively, she characterized the establishment of the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Laboratory as a resounding response to an evolving challenge. The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, through the PPPOMN, has undertaken this initiative to ensure that safety and robustness are integral to its operations. The BSL-3 Laboratory stands as a testament to BPOM’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and accountability in its vital responsibilities.
, Penny Kusumastuti Lukito, officially inaugurated the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)..){kind=link}