Area
Indonesia
Commodity Group
Oilseeds, oils and meals
Commodity
Palm oil
Date
01/08/2019
Policy Category
Consumption and marketing
Policy Instrument
Market regulation
Description
Instructed retailers to remove food and cosmetic products carrying palm oil-free labels from their shelves, stating that the terms use constituted misleading labelling. The move reflects efforts to protect the image of palm oil and safeguard the commoditys competitiveness.
Notes
Indonesias National Drug and Food Control Agency (BPOM) ordered retailers to remove food and cosmetic products carrying palm oil-free labels from their shelves. BPOM reckons that the terms use constitutes misleading labelling in that it could lead consumers to perceive products labelled palm oil-free as being superior. The move reflects efforts to protect the image of palm oil and safeguard the commoditys competitiveness. Industry officials welcomed the measure, claiming that trade policies and industry initiatives introduced in a number of countries have led to negative consumer sentiments about palm oil, increasingly threatening global trade in the commodity. (See also MPPU May & July19)