On label of food containing pork

On label of food containing pork

From Republika

In response to the demand on Feb. 28 by the Jakarta chapter of
the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) to ban all food products
containing pork, I would like to inform the public that a
regulation on food containing pork has been in effect since 1976
and is stipulated in Health Minister Regulation No. 280/Men.
Kes./Per/XI/76 dated Nov. 10, 1976 on the distribution and
marking of food containing pork.

This regulation was later followed up by Regulation No.
Men.Kes/Per/III/1978 on the labeling and advertising of foods
dated March 20, 1978.

These two regulations of the health minister were signed by
the late Prof. GM Siwabessy as the then health minister. I was
then the director general of food and drug control.

Sub-article (2) of Article 8 of this regulation stipulates
that if any of the composition elements of a particular food
contains pork, the food must comply with the stipulation in the
regulation of the health minister on the distribution and marking
of food containing pork. Article 2 of this regulation requires
imported food and food made domestically to mention on its
container or wrapper a warning in the form of the picture of a
swine and an inscription reading "Containing Pork" in capital
letters in red of the minimum size of Universe Medium Corps 12
inside a red rectangle.

Unless this type of food complies with the requirements
stipulated in Articles 2 and 3 of this regulation, it will be
prohibited from distribution in Indonesia.

SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO
Jakarta