BPOM Introduces "Nutri-Level" Labeling to Combat Rising Diabetes Rates

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Food and Drug MonitoringAgency (BPOM) has approved a new "Nutri-Level" labeling system designed to provide simpler and more informative nutritional data on processed food products.

Announced by BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar on Thursdsay, April 8, 2026, the initiative serves as a "national alarm" to address the fact that 73 percent of Indonesian deaths are now caused by non-communicable diseases, with diabetes affecting nearly 11 percent of the population.

The Nutri-Level system uses a combination of alphabetic grades and color codes to help consumers quickly identify the levels of sugar, salt, and fat (GGL) in their food and drinks. BPOM will roll out the labeling in stages, prioritizing sweetened beverages first.

"Because so far, what is most related to sugar, salt, and fat is usually from drinks," Taruna explained.

While the program is currently voluntary, BPOM intends for it to eventually cover all processed food and beverage products. The move is part of a broader public health strategy to encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent the continued surge of non-communicable diseases (PTM) among Indonesians of productive age.

The Nutri-Level labeling will use a system of alphabetical grades and color codes to classify nutritional content effectively. From this explanation, it is noted that Label A (dark green) indicates the lowest levels of sugar, salt, and fat, while Label B (light green) shows low levels of these ingredients.

In contrast, Label C (yellow) suggests that a product should be consumed wisely, and Label D (red) indicates products where consumption needs to be strictly limited based on an individual's health condition. This tiered approach aims to provide a practical guide for the public to make healthier food choices in their daily lives. ***