New Food Categories

The Head of the National Agency for Drug and Food Control (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan-“BPOM”) has issued Regulation No. 21 of 2016 on Food Categories (“2016 Regulation”).The 2016 Regulation updates the various food categories which are applicable within Indonesia, in line with recent scientific and technological developments, as well as innovations which have taken place within the food production sector. [1] Prior to the 2016 Regulation, these matters were regulated under Head of BPOM Regulation No. 1 of 2015 (“2015 Regulation). [2] The 2016 Regulation is of relevance to producers, importers and distributors of food and food products.Food CategoriesIn general, the phrase “food category” refers to the classification of food based on their various types. Any such categorization then becomes the basis for the determination of standards, assessment, monitoring and certification of food safety, quality, nutritional value, labeling and/or advertising. Therefore, any food which is produced in, imported into, or distributed within Indonesia must be classified under and comply with the applicable requirements for these various categories. [3] Both the 2016 Regulation and the 2015 Regulation actually set out 16 main food categories. However, the 2016 Regulation has now added a number of derivative products to each of these categories, as set out in the table below: [4]