A Guide to Understanding Processed Food Labels in Indonesia

Legal Basis and General Requirements for Processed Food Labels

Processed food labeling in Indonesia is governed by:

1. BPOM Regulation No. 31 of 2018 on Processed Food Labels.
2. BPOM Regulation No. 20 of 2021, amending Regulation No. 31 of 2018 on Processed Food Labels.

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General Labeling Guidelines for Processed Food

1. Language:
   • Information must be in Bahasa Indonesia. Foreign terms are allowed if there is no equivalent in Bahasa Indonesia.
2. Placement:
   • Labels must be on easily visible and readable parts of the packaging (main label area).
3. Durability:
   • Labels must not easily detach, fade, or get damaged.
4. Accuracy:
   • Labels should be accurate and not misleading.
5. Imagery:
   • Images are permitted only if the product contains the depicted ingredient (not just flavoring) and must specify the ingredient percentage in the composition.
6. Compliance:
   • Labels must align with those approved during business registration.

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Most Visible and Readable Section on Packaging

1. Processed Food Type Name
   • The product identity corresponding to the food category, as regulated in SNI (Indonesian National Standard), or with BPOM approval if not yet established.
2. Trade Name (Brand)
   • A distinctive mark that must not violate laws, norms, or use generic names/health aspects in a misleading manner.
3. Net Weight or Net Content
   • The quantity of ingredients in metric units such as grams (g) or liters (L). For products with a liquid medium, include the drained weight.
4. Producer or Importer Address
   • Includes city name, postal code, and statements such as “Manufactured by…” or “Imported by…”.
5. Halal Logo
   • Displayed if the product has a halal certificate from BPJPH (Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency).
6. Expiration Date
   • “Best before” followed by a date format according to the product’s shelf life.
7. PB-UMKU Number
   • A distribution permit number consisting of 15 digits, preceded by “BPOM RI MD” for domestic products or “BPOM RI ML” for imported ones.

Halal Logo

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Information on Other Parts of the Label

1. Ingredient List/Composition
   • Ingredients listed in descending order by quantity, including the source of ingredients (e.g., “beef fat”).
2. Production Date and Code
   • Production history in the form of batch numbers or production time.
3. Serving/Usage Instructions
   • Preparation methods such as boiling, frying, or dissolving, with the label “Serving Suggestion”.
4. Storage Instructions
   • Information on specific storage conditions, including instructions for storing products after the package is opened.
5. 2D Barcode (QR Code)
   • Used for product safety and monitoring, scannable via the BPOM Mobile app.
6. Nutrition Facts Table (ING)
   • Lists key nutrients like energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, and sodium. Not mandatory for certain products such as tea, coffee, and bottled water.
7. Warnings and Additional Information
   • Supplementary information as per regulations or potential risks.

Example Nutrition Facts Table (ING)

Reference:

Siripo – Direktorat Registrasi Pangan Olahan (pom.go.id)