The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has announced the launch of the Nutri-level initiative, which aims to enhance health awareness among citizens by clarifying sugar, salt, and fat levels in food products. This step comes amid rising rates of non-communicable diseases in the country, where BPOM Chairman Taruna Ikrar noted that 73% of deaths in Indonesia are due to non-communicable causes, necessitating effective measures to improve lifestyle.
The initiative includes the incorporation of Nutri-level information on food product labels, which was agreed upon in an amendment to BPOM regulations regarding nutritional information. This step aims to provide clear information to consumers about the content of food products, helping them make better health decisions.
Event Details
In his statements, Taruna Ikrar confirmed that the initiative will begin with the application of Nutri-level on certain beverages, with plans to include other food products later. This action is part of the commitment to new health laws, including Law No. 17 of 2023 regarding health.
BPOM now requires approval from the Ministries of Health, Trade, and Justice before the initiative can be officially implemented. Currently, the application of Nutri-level is voluntary, meaning companies can choose whether to include the information on their products.
Background & Context
Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are among the biggest health challenges facing Indonesia. According to data from the Ministry of Health, approximately 31 million people suffer from diabetes-related issues, highlighting the urgent need to improve nutritional awareness.
This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing rates of non-communicable diseases, requiring multiple interventions over the coming years to achieve tangible results. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, indicated that the positive impact of this initiative may take 3 to 5 years to become evident.
Impact & Consequences
The initiative is part of global efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases, with many countries such as Singapore, Brazil, and France adopting front-of-package labeling systems. This system helps consumers better understand the content of food products, contributing to improved overall health.
The Ministry of Health expects this initiative to help reduce the incidence of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, positively impacting public health in Indonesia. This step is also seen as a model for other countries in the region.
Regional Significance
With rising rates of non-communicable diseases in Arab countries as well, Indonesia's experience can serve as a model. Many Arab nations are facing high rates of diabetes and heart disease, necessitating similar steps to enhance health awareness.
Arab countries can benefit from this initiative by adopting similar systems to improve nutritional awareness, contributing to better health for citizens and reducing the burden on health systems.