Nutrition grade label draws scepticism from consumers, business owners in Indonesia

Indonesia's new graded nutrition labeling policy for beverages, known as Nutri-Level, is facing skepticism from consumers and small business owners. The policy, outlined in an April ministerial regulation, assigns a grade from A to D, with corresponding color codes, based on the sugar, salt, and fat content per 100 milliliters of freshly prepared drinks sold in outlets and restaurants.

While some consumers, like 31-year-old Rizky, support the initiative hoping it will raise awareness about dietary choices and health consequences, concerns linger about its practical implementation. Rizky questioned whether the system could be applied consistently and accurately, noting that reliable nutritional assessments require costly laboratory testing. "I am concerned about the possibility that some brands could display favorable Nutri-Level ratings on their products without proper testing, because accurate measurements require additional costs and effort," he said.

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I am concerned about the possibility that some brands could display favorable Nutri-Level ratings on their products without proper testing, because accurate measurements require additional costs and effort

Small business owners like Syahrul, a 57-year-old coffee shop owner, anticipate difficulties. He pointed out that accurate nutritional values necessitate laboratory testing, potentially increasing operational costs for small businesses without guaranteed changes in consumer behavior. Syahrul believes offering customers choices in sugar levels is a more practical approach. "Even without nutrition grading labels, my customers are already aware of what they are consuming. Nutri-Level labels may be more difficult to implement than expected," he stated.

The Nutri-Level system is currently not mandatory, with a two-year transition period for businesses to adapt pending a formal regulation. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, director for noncommunicable diseases prevention and control at the Health Ministry, clarified that the labeling is one of several measures intended to promote healthier lifestyles, aiming to reduce the incidence of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

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I always offer customers a choice of sugar levels from regular to reduced sugar. Even without nutrition grading labels, my customers are already aware of what they are consuming. Nutri-Level labels may be more difficult to implement than expected.