The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) visited the Makro Store at Chaeng Watthana Branch to conduct a public awareness campaign, encouraging consumer to select Healthier Choice-labeled food products as New Year gifts. The goal is to promote better health for recipients and help reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. These products contain reformulated appropriate levels of sugar, sodium, and fat, making them healthier options.

On 13 December 2023, Dr. Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, presided over the campaign event titled "Promoting Health, Reducing NCDs for the New Year Festival by Choosing Products with the Healthier Choice Label for Your Loved Ones." Dr. Surachoke stated that the Ministry of Public Health aims to raise awareness and prevent NCDs by encouraging consumer to adopt healthier consumption habits. This approach will reduce healthcare costs and ensure the long-term security of Thailand’s public health system. As part of this initiative, the FDA has partnered with the Makro to promote Healthier Choice labeled products as beneficial New Year gifts.

When choosing gift baskets, the FDA advises selecting ones that are well-packaged and checking the labels on food items, especially the following:

1.       The label must be in Thai.
2.       The food’s name, type, or category should be identified.
3.       Each item must show its production and/or expiration date.

Recipients should not remove labels when receiving gift baskets, as this allows them to verify the listed products and expiration dates. The FDA recommends applying these guidelines even when creating a gift basket by yourself.

Dr. Jutharat Patanatorn, Senior Director of Quality Assurance at CP Axtra PLC, added that CP Axtra PLC as the operator of Makro is committed to supporting health and well-being by providing quality products with safety and standards. Makro stores will feature New Year gift baskets that include the Healthier Choice labeled food products. Additionally, Makro’s fruit beverage products also carry these labels, offering consumers more health-conscious options as New Year’s gifts.

Dr. Surachoke further stated that there are now 14 categories of food products certified with the Healthier Choice symbol, totaling over 3,000 products. These categories include main meals, beverages, condiments, dairy products, instant meals, snacks, ice cream, oils and fats, bread, breakfast cereals, baked goods, snack products, fish and seafood, and meat products. The FDA expressed gratitude to the many retailers and supermarkets supporting the sale of Healthier Choice labeled products as part of this initiative.

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News Publication Date: 17 December 2024