Mrs. Tetty Helfery Sihombing, BPOM,
Indonesia, reported that a nutrition
information panel is mandatory for fortified
foods and foods carrying a nutrition/health
claim in Indonesia, and voluntary for all
other foods. Nutrient function claims,
other function claims and reduction
of disease risk claims are permitted in
Indonesia for a number of nutrients/food
components, as declared by BPOM, more
recently including glycemic index claims.
Mrs. Tetty advised that new claims may
be proposed to BPOM, provided they are
consistent with national nutrition policies,
are truthful and non-misleading and do
not encourage excessive consumption
of any food. Claims are prohibited on
foods intended for infants and claims
should not imply that a nutrient or other
food component can prevent, treat or
cure a disease. BPOM has established the
‘Guidelines for Inclusion of Nutrition Facts
on Food Labels’ in 2011, as a reference for
industry and other stakeholders.