Indonesia’s Ministry of Health issued new regulations on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, requiring nutritional labels—in the form of a “nutri-level”—on ready-to-eat foods, with a particular focus on sweetened beverages. The regulations will initially apply to large-scale businesses.
New Regulations Aim to Combat SSF Consumption
The policy, outlined in Decree of the Minister of Health Number HK.01.07/MENKES/301/2026, is intended as an educational tool to discourage excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat (SSF). Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated the goal is to prevent non-communicable diseases such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
According to Minister Sadikin, the new regulations align with the Health Law, which mandates the harmonization of cross-sector policies for disease prevention. The Ministry of Health will regulate ready-to-eat foods, while the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) will oversee processed and manufactured food products.
Nutri-Level System Explained
The “nutri-level” system uses a four-tier scale to indicate SSF content: Level A (dark green) has the lowest content, followed by Level B (light green), Level C (yellow), and Level D (red). Businesses will self-declare SSF content, verified by government or accredited laboratory tests.
The regulations require large-scale producers of ready-to-eat sweetened beverages—including boba, pulled tea, palm sugar coffee, and juice—to display the nutri-level on menus, packaging, brochures, banners, leaflets, and commercial electronic applications.
Currently, the policy does not apply to small and medium-scale businesses like street food stalls and small restaurants. Minister Sadikin did not specify a timeline for extending the regulations to these businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the nutri-level system?
The nutri-level system is an educational effort to prevent excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat (SSF) and to prevent non-communicable diseases.
Which businesses are initially affected by these regulations?
The regulations will initially apply to large-scale businesses producing ready-to-eat food, especially sweetened beverages.
What types of information media will be used to display the nutri-level?
The nutri-level will be listed on menus, retail packaging, brochures, banners, leaflets, and menu lists in commercial electronic applications.
Will increased transparency in food labeling influence consumer behavior and contribute to healthier dietary choices in Indonesia?