The BPOM is still in the process of harmonizing the policy or discussing it with entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders to determine the label design.
Ikrar revealed that the nutri-grade policy is grounded in Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health and its implementing regulations, namely Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024.
"We need inputs on whether we regulate the labeling in the form of color, composition, or warning. We have not reached an agreement yet," he stated when met in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Ikrar elaborated that the healthy label initiative by BPOM will align with the nutri-grade policy, which will be ratified later.
The agency head noted that specific requirements must be fulfilled to obtain the correct label grade, including meeting the appropriate nutri-grade levels.
"We will also discuss the grace period. If this regulation comes into effect, industrial entrepreneurs must make adjustments or reformulations. At least change the label, and that takes time. We are also discussing the timeline to fully apply this regulation," Ikrar stated.
Related news: Ministry gathers inputs from youngsters on controlling GGL consumption
In the harmonization process, his side has involved related ministries and institutions, including the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Health, and the National Food Agency.
Ikrar had earlier stated that 73 percent of deaths are attributed to high GGL consumption.
He cautioned that high consumption of GGL can lead to non-infectious diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, underscoring the need for nutri-grade regulations to protect people's health.
The Ministry of Health recommends daily limits on GGL consumption per person: 50 grams or four tablespoons of sugar, 2,000 milligrams of sodium/or 5 grams or one teaspoon of salt (sodium), and 67 grams of fat or five tablespoons of cooking oil.
Related news: Ministry encourages excise tax on GGL-dense products to tackle obesity
Translator: Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
