LAW ENFORCEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY OF BUSINESS ACTORS FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION IN THE CIRCULATION OF FOOD PAST THE PERIOD OF USE IN INDONESIA

Abstract

This research discusses law enforcement against the sale of food past the usage period in the perspective of consumer protection. It was conducted through a normative juridical approach and literature to analyze the legal position of business actors, the efficiency of supervision, the effectiveness of sanctions, and consumer participation. The research findings show that, although regulations are clear through the Consumer Protection Law, Ministerial Regulations, and the authority of BPOM, implementation in the field is still affected by a number of factors: weak internal company supervision, uneven external supervision infrastructure, and low consumer literacy regarding their rights. Criminal, administrative, and civil sanctions for violating business actors have been strictly regulated but have not provided an optimal deterrent effect. Technological innovations such as digital reporting and distribution tracking with expiry date barcodes are suggested to strengthen the monitoring system. Direct collaboration is needed between government agencies, business actors, and the community in building a culture of legal compliance and participatory supervision. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of surveillance reform, technology implementation, and consumer education to minimize the circulation of expired food.