Page 75 - FoodFocusThailand No.234 September 2025

STRONG QC & QA

• Define target markets first – Obtain only the necessary
certifications for those markets (e.g., FSMA for the US, GACC
for China).
• Avoid over-certification – Do not apply for multiple
standards at once to reduce costs; choose those that align with
marketing plans and target customers.
• Leverage support services – Use private agents or public
agencies such as DITP, OSMEP, or the Department of Agriculture
to ease paperwork and processes.
• Prepare complete documentation – Include Certificates
of Analysis (COA), Health Certificates, compliant product labels
(in English or the destination country’s language), and a reliable
traceability system.
Food safety standards not only protect consumer health
but also act as a “passport” for Thai products to access global
- Traceability Systems – Tools for tracking the origin markets. By adopting scientifically sound safety practices,
of raw materials, ingredients, and production processes selecting the right standards for target markets, managing
from source to consumer, enabling rapid corrective operational costs wisely, and building strong consumer trust,
action if safety issues arise. producers can ensure the long-term, sustainable growth of
- Personnel Hygiene, such as measures such as Thailand’s food industry.
proper handwashing, wearing protective uniforms, and
regular health checks, directly impacts food safety.
- Quality Certifications – Standards such as GMP,
ISO 22000, Halal, and Organic certification to validate More Information Service Info C011
compliance with recognized safety requirements.
Thailand applies food safety standards at both the
national and international levels, including:
- Codex Alimentarius – International guidelines
from FAO and WHO.
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) – Ensuring
safe production from the source.
- Thai FDA Certification – Verifying product safety
before domestic distribution.

Food Safety Challenges in Thailand
Over the past decade, Thailand has faced persistent
food safety challenges that continue to affect consumer
confidence, including:
• Excessive pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables
• Use of banned substances such as salbutamol
in pork
• Formalin use in seafood to prolong shelf life
• Microbial contamination (e.g., E. coli in ice)
• Factories or restaurants failing sanitation inspections
• Incorrect or misleading labelling
While stricter regulations have reduced issues like
paraquat use, systemic problems—such as illegal use
of prohibited substances and false labelling—remain
significant concerns requiring continuous monitoring.

Starting Exports with Confidence:
Food Safety Guidelines for SMEs
• Begin with basic standards – GMP for food
manufacturers and GAP for farmers; both are
government-supported, straightforward, and cost-
effective.

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