A recent circular states health claims for DHA and EPA are only permitted under 300mg/day.
It also said health Supplements containing DHA/EPA must list the warning that consumers should “be careful when consuming products which contain more ΕΡΑ than DHA in conjunction with anti-coagulants, because they may increase the blood thinning effect.”
They must also state “If you are going to have surgery, communicate with doctors regarding the use of these supplements.”
Under the new edict, health supplements containing more than 300mg/day are not able to use claims for health maintenance.
Global omega-3 trade body GOED is now compiling information to submit to BPOM for its review.
The organisation's VP of Regulatory Harry Rice told us it was not clear what provoked BPOM’s reaction and that there was no indication the change was on the cards.
“As far as we know, before this circular, there was no daily limit for EPA and DHA. Even when BPOM talked about putting certain restrictions on the sale of omega-3 rich oils a number of years ago, there was no daily limit discussed.
“Members are eager to see this issue resolved, not only because of its restriction on the Indonesian market, but because it could have an impact on what other countries decide to do,” he added.
The BPOM circular also adds that information about the content of DHA can only be included in part of the composition/nutritional value information on the label and that “health supplements with DHA/EPA which have had a marketing authorization shall adjust at the latest two (2) years from the date of this Circular."
GOED says it has successfully worked with BPOM on resolving issues restricting the sale of EPA/DHA-rich oils in the past and pledged to keep members updated on its progress.