With strict label regulations and detailed guidelines, getting everything right is crucial for any food brand looking to avoid penalties and ensure smooth market entry. But how do you make sure your food label meets all the standards in the Indonesian market?
Scroll below as we break down the must-know BPOM food labeling requirements step by step. As a bonus, you’ll get a free labeling checklist to keep your food label on track with BPOM regulations!
What is BPOM?
BPOM, short for "Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan," is Indonesia's Food and Drug Control Agency. This independent government body ensures that food, drugs, health supplements, medical devices, and cosmetics in Indonesia meet safety and quality standards. Operating under the Ministry of Health, BPOM plays a key role in keeping products safe and compliant in the Indonesian market.
How BPOM Indonesia regulates and registers food products
BPOM Indonesia plays a key role in regulating and registering food products. Before hitting the market, every food item must pass a detailed review of its ingredients, nutritional content, and allergens to ensure it’s safe for consumers.
Part of the process also includes inspecting the production facilities to confirm they meet hygiene standards. Even after registration, BPOM keeps a close watch on products to make sure they continue to meet safety regulations.
BPOM general food labeling requirements
BPOM closely monitors products to ensure they meet safety standards. Every label must include key details such as:
- The product name
- Ingredients list
- Net weight or volume,
- Manufacturer/importer info
- Halal marking (if needed)
- Production or date code
- Use-by date
- BPOM registration number
- The source of certain food items.
In addition to the details above, the Government of Indonesia (GOI) may require other information on food labels.
Labels must be written in Bahasa Indonesia, using Arabic numerals and Roman text. Foreign terms can be used if there’s no Bahasa equivalent. Also, avoid backgrounds like images, colors, or decorations that could make the main label text hard to read.
Other Indonesia food labeling requirements
In addition to the previously mentioned criteria, processed food labels must include nutritional facts and indicate whether the product has been irradiated, is organic, or contains GMOs.
Food labels should also provide preparation instructions for products like baby formula and foods intended for pregnant women. Storage instructions for items such as ice cream, bottled water, and processed meats are important as well. Additionally, include serving suggestions, intended uses (such as for infants, toddlers, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or athletes), and any required warnings.
2D Barcode requirements
According to BPOM Regulation No. 33/2018, all processed food products (except special nutrition foods) with a registration number obtained after December 7, 2018, must feature a 2D Barcode on their labels. This barcode, issued by BPOM, includes essential information such as the registration number (M/L) and the product's expiration date.
For special nutrition foods, a 2D Barcode Authentication is needed, which can be issued by either BPOM or the business itself. This barcode contains more detailed information, including:
a. Registration number
b. Batch number/production code
c. Expiration date
d. Product serial number
These requirements ensure that consumers have access to important product information at a glance!
Nutritional labeling guidelines
According to BPOM Regulation No. 22/2019, all processed foods must display nutritional value information on their labels, with a few exceptions: powdered tea and coffee, tea bags, mineral bottled water, herbs, spices, seasoning, alcoholic beverages, and condiments.
Food labeling requirements for products containing pork
For food products containing pork, the label must clearly state "MENGANDUNG BABI" (contains pork). This label should be in red text, enclosed in a red rectangle, and include a drawing of a pig on a white background. Ingredients that may come from pork include gelatin, enzymes, fat, collagen, blood extracts, stearic acid, glycerol, shortening, and certain emulsifiers and stabilizers.
If a product comes into contact with pork-derived substances during production, it should carry a food label stating: "Pada proses pembuatannya bersinggungan dan/atau menggunakan fasilitas bersama dengan bahan bersumber babi" (in contact with or using shared facilities with pork-derived substances).
Food labeling requirements for food and beverages containing alcohol
For food and beverages containing alcohol, the label must clearly display the alcohol content (percentage) and any carryover alcohol in the product.
Alcoholic beverage labels should include:
- The words "MINUMAN BERALKOHOL" (alcoholic beverage) and the specific type of drink, based on its food category.
- A warning: "DIBAWAH UMUR 21 TAHUN ATAU WANITA HAMIL DILARANG MINUM" (prohibited for those under 21 years or pregnant women).
- "Mengandung alkohol ±...% (v/v)" (Contains alcohol ±... % v/v).
Food labeling requirements for allergens
Allergens must be clearly listed on the food label, especially common ones like gluten (from wheat, rye, barley, oats, or spelt), shellfish, eggs, fish, peanuts, soy, milk (including lactose), tree nuts, and sulfites (over 100 ppm). This also applies to any processed foods made with these ingredients, except for highly refined products.
Labeling requirements for processed foods with additives
Food labels for processed products with additives must provide key information, including:
- The group name of the additive (e.g., antioxidant, artificial sweetener, preservative, food coloring, or enhancer)
- The specific name of the additive
- Its registration number
- If any carryover additives are used, they should be listed right after the primary additives.
For products containing artificial sweeteners, labels should include:
- A clear statement that the food product contains artificial sweeteners.
- Warnings, if necessary, for children under 5, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
- The amount of sweetener present (in mg/kg, percentage, or mg/serving).
- A note stating “For people with diabetes and/or low-calorie diets,” when applicable.
- If the product contains aspartame, it must include the statements “contains phenylalanine” and “not suitable for phenylketonuric patients” and note that it “should not be heated”.
- For products containing polyol, the label must warn: “Excessive consumption may cause a laxative effect”.
- Sugar equivalence to sucrose and Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).
When food coloring is used, labels must display:
- The Color Index (CI)
- The words "PEWARNA PANGAN" or "PEWARNA MAKANAN" (food coloring) in a green box with green capital letters
- The "M" logo (for food) in a black circle
Restrictions on additive-free claims
Under BPOM Indonesia food regulation, labels and ads cannot claim a product is free of additives like antioxidants, sweeteners, or preservatives using terms like "free," "without," or "no content." The statement "without certain food additives" can only be used for artificial sweeteners, preservatives, synthetic colorings, antioxidants, and flavor enhancers in general terms (e.g., "no artificial sweeteners"). Specific sweetener exclusions are not allowed.
Food labeling requirements for baby food
Baby food, including infant formula and complementary foods (MP-ASI), falls under the special nutrition category. The BPOM Indonesia food regulations for these products are outlined as follows:
For infant formula, labels must include:
- The phrase "Perhatian Penting" (Important notice) or a similar warning.
- A notice stating that the product is not sterile and preparation instructions must be followed carefully.
- A reminder that "Breastmilk is the best food for your baby."
- A statement that the product should only be used under medical advice, with clear usage instructions.
For MP-ASI:
- A statement that these foods are not for babies under 6 months unless prescribed by a doctor.
- Nutritional information and preparation guidelines.
Food labeling requirements for special nutrition or dietary use
Processed food labels for special dietary or medical needs, regulated under BPOM Regulation No. 24/2020, must include key information to ensure consumer safety. Here's what needs to be on the label:
- The type of product
- Indication or information on who can consume the product
- Preparation and serving instructions if special handling is required
- Storing instructions
- Any necessary warnings or notices
- Nutritional value information
Additionally, labels for special dietary processed foods should include the statement: “KONSULTASIKAN DENGAN TENAGA KESEHATAN” (consult with a medical specialist). For processed food intended for medical needs, the food label must have:
- “HARUS DENGAN RESEP DOKTER” (By medical prescription only)
- “Produk bukan untuk Penggunaan Secara Parenteral” (Product is not intended for parenteral use)
- The osmolality value for products intended for internal use through a nasal gastric tube
Extra details, like protein sources, must also be clearly stated. Nutritional or health claims, along with irradiation treatment, are not allowed for products aimed at infants, children, or pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Food labeling requirements for halal
Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Law mandates halal certification and labeling for all food and beverage products. Enforced by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), the law took effect on October 17, 2019, with a grace period until October 17, 2024, for compliance. After this deadline, products without halal certification must clearly display non-halal markings.
For halal-certified products, companies can use logos from BPJPH-recognized foreign Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs). Several U.S. HCBs are awaiting BPJPH approval, which must be secured by the 2024 deadline to continue certifying for Indonesia.
As final regulations are still pending, exporters should confirm halal labeling requirements with importing partners, as these may change.
Most common food labeling errors to watch out for
Here are the most common food labeling errors that can be found on your Indonesian food labels.
- Halal certification and markings: Not including halal certification when required by law and failing to use clear non-halal markings for products containing prohibited ingredients, which can lead to consumer confusion.
- Language issues: Not using Bahasa Indonesia for food labeling or providing poor translations that may confuse consumers.
- Lack of manufacturer information: Omitting the name and contact details of the manufacturer or importer, which is crucial for traceability.
- Improper packaging information: Failing to provide clear storage instructions, such as temperature requirements in the food label, which can affect product quality.
- Incompatible formatting for ingredient tables: Not adhering to required formatting standards for ingredient lists or nutrition tables in food labels.
- Required warnings omitted: Not including essential health warnings or safety information.
- Nutritional claims without basis: Making nutritional claims that are not substantiated by scientific evidence, violating BPOM Indonesia food regulation guidelines.
Go to market faster with 100% BPOM compliant labels
Keeping up with BPOM regulations is super important to avoid those costly recalls and fines! Brands can now automate food label compliance and stay in the loop with the latest BPOM requirements using the right tool.
So, what can Artwork Flow do for your labels?
100% label compliance: With ComplyAI, you can create a custom rulebook for food labels and easily check if ingredients, nutrition tables, manufacturer addresses, and more are compliant with BPOM standards.
Eliminate human errors: Online proofing tools catch typos, font issues, and grammar mistakes before they make it to print, preventing expensive recalls.
Barcode scanner: Our handy barcode verification feature lets you scan every package’s barcode to make sure all the details are spot on, helping you steer clear of any potential legal headaches.
Book a demo today to see how Artwork Flow can help you stay compliant with packaging regulations.
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