Why Nutri-Level Labels on Sweet Drinks Might Be Ineffective

Indonesia's initiative to introduce Nutri-Level nutrition labels on sweet beverages, aiming to boost consumer awareness, is encountering substantial hurdles. While the concept of providing simple A-D scores is intended to empower consumers, its practical application in Indonesia is proving difficult. Without robust educational campaigns and supportive strategies, there's a significant risk that this policy will fail to curb excessive sugar intake, a pressing public health concern.

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Nutri-Level as a summary system provides a simpler letter score from A to D (dark green, green, yellow, and red) compared to the non-colored (monochrome) GDA (Guideline Daily Amount).

Research conducted by IPB University's Food Technology expert, Nuri Andarwulan, reveals a stark reality: a vast majority of popular beverages in Jakarta and Bogor would be classified under the lower Nutri-Level categories (C and D). This finding poses a considerable economic threat to the beverage industry, which may resist the policy due to its potential to negatively affect product appeal and sales. The study highlights that only a handful of tested drinks met the criteria for low sugar content.

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The results show that only three drinks had low sugar content and met the criteria for categories A to B. As many as 97 other drinks had moderate to very high sugar content, equivalent to categories C and D or exceeding the recommended daily sugar intake per serving.

Furthermore, the challenge extends to the potential for reformulation. Reducing sugar content could alter the familiar taste of beloved beverages, a risk that manufacturers are wary of. The use of artificial sweeteners is also a consideration, though it may not guarantee a top-tier Nutri-Level rating. Experts emphasize the need for a harmonious approach, involving gradual reformulation and strong collaboration between the government and industry players to navigate these complexities and achieve the ultimate goal of reducing sugar consumption among the Indonesian populace.

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Industry has the potential to object because of the significant economic impact. The industry will likely consider this policy unrealistic because it can affect the product's selling power.