8月 8, 2024
On July 19, 2024, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health Notification No. 450 B.E.2567 (2024) came into effect after being published in the Government Gazette the day before. The notification introduces significant updates to the labeling requirements for prepackaged foods. This new regulation consolidates and updates Thailand’s rules for food labeling by repealing and replacing several previous notifications.
The notification’s key changes and their implications for food businesses are identified below.
1. Clarified “Best Before” Definition
The notification aligns the definition of “best before” with Codex standards. It now refers to the date marking the end of the period during which the food maintains its best quality under stated storage conditions. After this date, food quality may change, and the product cannot be marketed.
2. Updated Labeling Exceptions
Certain foods are exempt from labeling requirements, with the latest list including:
Foods sold directly to consumers by manufacturers who can provide product information.
Unprocessed foods.
Some fresh foods not sold directly to consumers.
Prepackaged foods produced and sold for immediate consumption in food service settings.
However, any of these exempt foods that have received food serial numbers must still have labels that comply with the notification.
3. Expiration Date and Best-Before Date Display
The notification provides clearer language for displaying the expiration date and best-before date. If specific wording is required by other notifications, it must be followed. English equivalents are now permitted alongside Thai text.
4. Warning Displays
Multiple applicable warnings can now be consolidated and displayed together, provided the complete message is included as specified.
5. Claims about Substances or Ingredients
New guidelines have been established for making claims about food additives and ingredients. Claims should be factual, not deceptive, and provably not false.
6. Label Placement and Design
Labels must be permanently affixed, proportionate to the packaging, and prominently displayed.
7. Display of Trademarks
Symbols related to trademarks or registered trademarks can be displayed with English symbols or