Current status of food contact material regulation and standards in Thailand

Abstract

Objective To support export business of food contact materials from China to Thailand through research of food contact materials regulatory system in Thailand. Methods Study the regulation pattern and requirements of food contact materials regulation in Thailand through collection of the websites and inquiry of the laws, regulations and notifications of food contact materials in Thailand. Results In food contact materials regulatory system in Thailand, 'Food Act’ established general principles for food contact materials, while laws of specific food contact materials (ceramics product and enamel product, plastics, feeding bottle and milk containers for infants and young children) set basic and specific requirements, indicators and limits for food contact materials. The major agency on control of food contact materials are Thailand Food and Drug Administration, Thailand Industrial Standards Institute, Office of the Consumer Protection Board, Ministry of Commerce and Department of Science Service. Conclusion In comparison of food contact materials regulation in China, regulation on specific food contact materials in Thailand is not comprehensive. Besides, the requirements for information transmission and labeling is not included in such regulation in Thailand. However, for feeding bottles and milk containers for infants and young children, more concrete requirements are specified by regulation in Thailand, which raises more rigorous challenge for such product exported from China to Thailand.

Keywords

• food contact material
• thailand
• supervision
• regulation