Govt introduces nutrition grade on drinks to curb unhealthy diets The Indonesian government has taken a significant step toward addressing rising public health concerns linked to poor dietary habits by introducing a mandatory nutrition grading system for beverages. Announced by the Health Ministry and the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), the initiative aims to curb excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat by requiring front-of-pack labeling on ready-to-drink beverages produced by large-scale businesses. The policy, formalized under Ministerial Decree No. HK.01.07/MENKES/301, implements a color-coded grading system similar to models used in neighboring countries. Beverages will be assessed based on their sugar, salt, and fat content and assigned a grade from A (healthiest) to D (least healthy). Products receiving a C or D grade must display the Nutri-Grade label prominently on packaging and in online listings, while A and B graded products may opt for voluntary labeling. This measure responds to growing evidence that modern diets in Indonesia are increasingly dominated by processed foods and sugary drinks, contributing to a rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Health officials emphasize that the labeling system is designed not only to inform consumers but likewise to incentivize manufacturers to reformulate products toward healthier profiles. The regulation applies initially to beverages but signals a broader strategy to expand nutrition labeling to other food categories high in sodium and saturated fat. Similar extensions have already been announced in regional counterparts like Singapore, where the Nutri-Grade system is set to cover prepacked salt, sauces, seasonings, instant noodles, and cooking oils starting mid-2027. By making nutritional content transparent at the point of choice, Indonesia aims to empower consumers to make informed decisions and reduce the burden of diet-related illnesses across the population. The initiative reflects a growing regional trend toward preventive public health policies grounded in clear, accessible food labeling.
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