Indonesia says no to free from palm oil

Together with Malaysia, Indonesia makes up around 85% of the world’s global palm oil supply and as such, it is an important commodity for both countries.

In a recent move to safeguard the industry, the Indonesian government has banned foodstuffs labelled as palm oil free.  

According to several reports, the Drug and Food Control Agency (BPOM), believes that there is a misconception surrounding palm oil free products. It says that many consumer regard it as a healthy alternative and this is misleading consumers.

The Head of the Indonesian National Drug and Food Control Agency, Penny K. Lukito, told journalists (according to a report from Bloomberg), that this labelling is part of a “campaign to undermine the competitiveness of Indonesian palm oil” and that as the product is important for Indonesia “it is the government’s duty to protect the industry”.  

Lukito added that products labelled as palm oil free will be regarded as illegal and action will be taken against retailers who continue to sell it.