Food is defined as anything derived from biological sources such as agricultural, plantation, forestry, fishery, livestock, aquatic, and water products, whether processed or unprocessed, intended for human consumption, including food additives, food raw materials, and other substances used in the preparation, processing, and/or manufacture of food or beverages.
Food can be categorized into three main types:
- Processed Food (Pangan Olahan):: Unprocessed food that can be consumed directly or used as raw material for food processing.
- Fresh Food (Pangan Segar): Food and/or beverages that have been processed and are ready for immediate consumption, either on-site or off-site.
- Ready-to-Eat Food (Pangan Siap Saji): Food or beverages produced through specific processes or methods, with or without the addition of other substances.
Food safety refers to the conditions and efforts required to protect food from potential biological, chemical, and physical contaminants that may interfere with, harm, or endanger human health. It also ensures that food aligns with religious, cultural, and societal beliefs, making it safe for consumption.
For processed food products, obtaining a distribution permit number (Nomor Izin Edar) is mandatory. This permit signifies that the product meets safety, quality, and nutritional standards set by the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM).
Recognizing Distribution Permit Numbers:
- Domestically Produced Processed Food: Marked with “BPOM RI MD” followed by a 12-digit number (e.g., BPOM RI MD 123412341234).
- Internationally Produced Processed Food: Marked with “BPOM RI ML” followed by a 12-digit number (e.g., BPOM RI ML 123412341234).
Processed food labels must adhere to the following standards:
- Accurate and not misleading.
- Presented in the form of images, text, a combination of both, or other formats.
- Attached to or included within the packaging.
- Aligned with the approved label during the product registration process.
- Placed on easily visible and readable areas of the packaging.
- Durable and resistant to removal, fading, or damage.
- Written in the Indonesian language.
- Must accurately reflect the product’s contents.
Pay Attention to Warnings on Labels
Labels must include warnings if the product contains specific substances or is processed in facilities handling particular ingredients. Examples include:
- Warnings for products containing pork or processed in facilities using pork-derived ingredients.
- Warnings for dairy products.
- Warnings for condensed milk and its analogs.
Prohibited Statements on Processed Food Labels and Advertisements
Processed food labels and advertisements must not claim that the product can improve health or function as medicine.
Information on Processed Food Labels
- Front Panel: This section should display the essential product information.
- Other Panels: Additional details and warnings should be provided on other parts of the packaging.
Reference: KATA BPOM – Modul Komunikasi, Informasi, dan Edukasi
How can INSIGHTOF help?
INSIGHTOF offers comprehensive regulatory services to facilitate market entry in Indonesia, specializing in BPOM and Kemenkes product registration with expert guidance every step of the way.
For any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at marketing@insightof.co.id.
