VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta (VOI News) - The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) facilitated a forum in Jakarta on Friday (7 Feb) to discuss the new European Union standards for a chemical compound found in palm oil, known as 3-MCPD. The compound, which is thought to affect the kidneys when consumed in high doses, is facing high global regulations on imported palm oil.

In 2018-2019, the EU cracked down on the maximum limit of 1,000 micrograms per kilogram on another compound found in palm oil, known as glycidyl esters (GE). The EU plan to introduce the same restrictions on the 3-MCPD (3-monochlorpro-pandiol ester) compound, despite the recommended safety limit for these compounds being as high as 2,500 micrograms per kilogram. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Forum, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, claimed these regulations were unfair and inconsistent with those imposed on other vegetable oils.  He emphasized the need for developing Asian economies to start speaking up on the world stage.

"We have to make several strategies, not leave it to countries like Europe to set the standard just for the sake of protecting their market. We can raise our voice, say it loudly. And the economy of regional RCEP, Regional Communicative Economy is way bigger than the EU. We have thirty-two percent of the economy, and we have almost more forty percent of the population. So the voice of us should be on par with the size that we have," said Minister Airlangga Hartarto.

Directorate-General for Health and Consumers from the European Commission Frans Verstraete, at the event, emphasized the EU’s concern for the “human and animal health” effects of palm oil consumption with high 3-MCPD levels, while maintaining the importance of the free movement of food imports across Europe. Vice-Chairman of Indonesian Palm Oil Association Togar Sitanggang said if the regulations passed in the EU, it would “limit” palm oil exports to Europe and would cause a price drop on the commodity if the market was lost. (VOI/LAURA GREEN/AHM)