Indonesia Announcement No. 15 for 2024: High Risk of Overconsumption of Selenium for Pregnant and Nursing Women, Zinc Intake Limit Increased by 5mg!

On September 23, 2024, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority officially promulgated the much-anticipated Announcement No. 15 2024, an important regulatory amendment aimed at further improving the registration standards and procedural provisions for health foods, specifically pointing to Regulation No. 32 promulgated in 2022. The revision not only reflects the Indonesian government's high emphasis on public health, but also marks another improvement in the country's regulatory system in the field of nutrition and health.

The core revisions to the announcement focus on nutrient intake standards in health foods, particularly for specific populations - pregnant women and nursing mothers - and key nutrients - selenium and zinc intake management. This adjustment undoubtedly provides more scientific and reasonable dietary guidance for the Indonesian people, especially those in these special physiological stages.

First, let's delve into the new clause in Schedule 1. For a special group of pregnant women and nursing mothers, the announcement specifies that the maximum daily intake of selenium should not exceed 65 micrograms (μg). This limit is based on extensive scientific research and clinical data and is designed to ensure that this key micronutrient promotes maternal and child health while avoiding the risks that excessive intake may pose. As one of the essential trace elements in human body, selenium plays an important role in anti-oxidation, improving immunity and maintaining thyroid function. However, excessive intake can lead to poisoning and pose a threat to mother and child health. Therefore, the introduction of this regulation undoubtedly provides a safer dietary reference for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

On the other hand, the announcement also adjusted the maximum daily intake of zinc in Schedule 1, from the original 25 milligrams (mg) to 30mg. Zinc is a component of a variety of enzymes and proteins in the human body, which plays an irreplaceable role in promoting growth and development, maintaining immune function and improving appetite. However, with the change of modern lifestyle and the improvement of nutritional needs, the original intake standard has been difficult to meet the needs of some people. Therefore, this adjustment not only reflects the respect for scientific research, but also fully considers the needs of practical applications.

It is worth noting that the effective date of this announcement is set to be from the date of the release of the government Gazette, which reflects the efficiency and determination of the Indonesian government in the implementation of policies. At the same time, it also provides clear guidance for relevant enterprises and consumers, and promotes the standardization and healthy development of the health food market.

More details see: https://jdih.pom.go.id/download/rule/1601/15/2024