Response to the Sugar Label Policy, Mamin Industry Makes Product Recipe Adjustments

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs Association (Gapmmi) Adhi S. Lukman said that the food and beverage industry (mamin) had taken various adjustment steps ahead of the policy on the application of high sugar labels. This includes product reformulation to reduce sugar levels.

He said, a number of products have even obtained the "healthier choice" logo from BPOM.

"Manufacturers have carried out a lot of reformulations and given the logo a healthier choice from BPOM. That means it has reduced sugar, salt, fat, to a healthier choice," said Adhi when met by reporters at the KKP office, Jakarta, Thursday, February 12.

Even so, Adhi admitted that consumer demand is still diverse. Some people still want products with a sweet taste, so manufacturers must be flexible in providing various product categories.

"There are still consumers who ask for sweetness, this needs to be educated. Manufacturers adjust the demand, there are even sugar-free products because there is a market. What we are looking after is consumer demand," he said.

Adhi said that the policy was designed to be educational and create panic among consumers.

"Actually, we also have an agreement on what the words are like. We hope that it can be discussed further so that the implementation goes well," he explained.

According to him, the main purpose of the labeling policy is to encourage more wise restrictions on sugar consumption, not to scare people. Adhi emphasized that sugar remains part of human nutritional needs as long as it is consumed in moderation.

"The important thing is to maintain consumption restrictions, but not to give a frightening atmosphere to consumers. Sugar, salt and fat are still needed by the body. The key is a balance between intake and activity," said Adhi.

Furthermore, Adhi hopes that the policy has a transition period that is spelled out in a clear roadmap. The industry previously proposed an adjustment period of eight years, while BPOM was aiming for five years.

"The most important thing is the roadmap. If it is clear, the industry and consumers can adjust. We will agree on five or eight years, but it must be measurable," he explained.

He reminded that the policy should not have an impact on the decline in product sales. According to Adhi, the implementation of a label without careful planning has the potential to make consumers reluctant to buy, thus harming business actors.

"Don't let us produce less sugar, but consumers don't buy. In the end, the industry dies. We want people to be healthy, but the industry also has to keep growing," he added.