Thailand’s regulatory approach toward the infant nutrition industry would benefit from additional clarity, according to an article published by FoodNavigator-Asia. The article draws on a presentation given by Dr. Atthachai Homhuan and San Chaithiraphant of the Tilleke & Gibbins intellectual property and regulatory affairs teams at the recent Vitafoods Asia 2018 conference, held in Singapore on September 11-12.

“In Thailand, companies cannot market food supplements for young children, as the FDA does not allow items like soft gels or fortified gummies to be registered as supplements,” Atthachai told the audience. “Such products must be registered as drugs or candies instead.”

While this approach provides for a strict regulatory framework, some observers contend that it may hamper innovation in providing for the full range of child nutrition needs. Addressing the need for additional clarity for specific standards, San said: “A benchmark for valid opinions is lacking—what makes a label ‘different,’ and whose views matter? Is it that of a general consumer, a mother browsing shelves at a supermarket, or a regulator?”

FoodNavigator-Asia  is a leading news source for the food industry, published by William Reed. To read the full article, please visit foodnavigator-asia.com.