Indonesia Notifies WTO Regarding the Control of Sugar, Salt, and Fat Consumption in Processed Food

On November 4, 2024, Indonesia Ministry of Health informed WTO members via G/TBT/N/IDN/169 regarding Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 on the Implementation of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, which provides expanded provisions and clarifications on various health measures.

One key focus in Section Eight is the regulation of non-communicable disease (NCD) management, particularly targeting sugar, salt, and fat content in processed foods, including fast foods. The regulation introduces specific guidelines, as follows:

1. Maximum Content Limits: The Ministry will establish maximum content limits for sugar, salt, and fat, in coordination with risk assessments and/or international standards.

2. Compliance and Labeling Requirements: Producers, importers, and distributors of processed and fast foods must adhere to the defined limits for sugar, salt, and fat and display corresponding nutrition labels on food packaging or provide such information through fast food information channels. Business operators who exceed these content limits are prohibited from engaging in advertising, promotions, and sponsorships during certain times, at designated locations, and with specific target audiences. Additionally, the use of ingredients known to elevate NCD risk in processed foods will be restricted or banned.

3. Administrative Consequences: Business operators found in violation of sugar, salt, and fat content limits in processed foods may face penalties, including written warnings, fines, suspension of production or distribution activities, product recalls, and potential business license revocation.