Preliminary Characterization of Seaweed Agar Sheet Products: Case Study of Local Small and Medium Enterprise in Java Island

Abstract

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia have grown quite rapidly and play an important role in modern economies. Many innovative products have been developed; however, the monitoring of product quality is rare. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative evaluation of the characteristics of agar sheet products from local MSMEs in Java Island, Indonesia. Moisture content, acid-insoluble ash content, total mould count, heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and As, Cu, Sn, Hg) and gel strength of three different agar sheet products were evaluated. Moreover, evaluation of its commercial packaging was carried out according to the regulation of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (NADFC). The results reveal that the moisture content of agar sheets ranged from 17.48 % to 21.64 %, the acid-insoluble ash contents were lower than the maximum limit by Indonesian National Standard (INS), whereas according to the sensory inspection, the presence of mould was not found. Heavy metals were found at low levels, below the maximum allowable limit by INS. However, all agar sheets have poor gel strength (approximately 32.24 g/cm2 – 77.49 g/cm2). The result of packaging evaluation showed that neither packaging design, nor packaging label of all agar sheet products were excellent. The packaging label was prepared inappropriately according to NADFC. In conclusion, these agar characteristics and packaging quality were lack the minimum standard required. Therefore, product enhancements, such as processing and packaging innovations can be introduced to meet the minimum standard and improve the quality.