Indonesia Revising Food Additive Regulation

On 28 Sep 2015, Indonesia National Agency of Drug and Food Control (NADFC) notified the WTO of amendments to Regulation No.36 of 2013 concerning Maximum Permitted Levels of Preservative in Food. It specifies the maximum permitted levels of the following preservatives in processed food.

1. Sorbic acid and its salts;

2. Benzoid acid and its salts;

3. Ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate;

4. Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate;

5. Sulphites;

6. Nisin;

7. Nitrites;

8. Nitrates;

9. Propionic acid and its salts;

10. Lysozyme hydrochloride.

The maximum permitted levels of these preservatives in each food category is listed in Annex 1 as an integral part of this regulation. According to the regulation, the content of preservatives in processed food must be proved by a certificate of analysis. Using preservatives that are not listed in the Annex 1 is only permitted if companies obtain an approval from the Head of NADFC.