Standards and Regulations

Laboratory testing is a core requirement for BPOM ML registration of processed foods, and the scope of testing depends on the product category. There are two main areas of focus.

I. Detection of Chemical Pollutants

according toBPOM Ordinance No. 16 of 2019Imported processed foods must undergo testing for chemical contaminants. The specific chemical contaminants tested include: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and tin (Sn).sulfur dioxide,aflatoxinOchratoxin Apesticide residuesMaximum allowable limits vary depending on the food category. For example, canned fish products face stricter tin limits than dried snack products.

Laboratory testing must be conducted at an accredited testing facility. Indonesia accepts domestically sourced testing equipment.National Accreditation Committee (KAN)Test results from accredited laboratories, as well as certain internationally accredited laboratories, should be referred to the current BPOM approval list.

two.Microbial contamination detection

The microbiological parameters typically required for BPOM ML registration include:Total Plate Count (TPC)、Yeast and mold count、coliform bacteriaEscherichia colisalmonella、Staphylococcus aureus、Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Cronobacter sakazakiiThe specific parameters depend on the nature of the product—whether it is ready-to-eat food, dairy product, beverage, or a heat-treated product.

The test report must be recent, usually before the application date.Within six to twelve monthsIt must be issued, and must cite an accredited testing method, such as...ISO, AOAC (American Association of Official Analytical Chemists), or Indonesian National Standards (SNI)The method.

Preparing accurate and complete laboratory documentation in advance can prevent delays. This is based on the BPOM standard used as an international benchmark.Codex Alimentarius (Codex Alimentarius Commission)The framework and food safety testing standards provide a globally recognized baseline that is highly aligned with Indonesia's domestic requirements.

III. Additional Testing Requirements for Special Categories of Products

1. Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)

• If the product contains genetically modified ingredients and the content exceeds [a certain level]5%A GMO test report is required.

• The label must state "contains genetically modified ingredients" (Contains Genetically Engineered Raw Materials）

  
  

2. Irradiated food

• An irradiation dose test report must be provided.

• The label must indicate "irradiated" (Has Been Irradiated）

  
  

3. Allergen labeling

• Although BPOM does not currently mandate allergen testing, it recommends labeling.Eight major allergens(Peanuts, soybeans, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, wheat)

• Since 2024, BPOM has been promoting the standardization of allergen labeling.

  
  

4. Fortified foods

• If vitamins or minerals are added, a report on the testing of the fortified ingredients must be provided.

• Must comply with the addition limits specified by SNI or Codex