Thai FDA organized nationwide intensive trainings for officials in preparation for the assessment required by the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements on Prepared Foodstuff Products. The trainings focused on the regulations, standard measures, and regulatory guidelines of food products , premises, and food and drug checkpoints. The aim was also to foster knowledge and understanding of the workflow among both the central and the regional officials. 

           Mr. Lertchai Lertvut, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, revealed that the decision to align with the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements on Prepared Foodstuff Products has allowed for a unified market and production base for prepared foodstuff in the ASEAN community. The arrangements provide shared inspection system and standards that are accepted in the ASEAN region. Through guidelines that are consistent with international standards, free trade are made possible. Each country in the region still maintains its freedom to grant permissions and set its standards and regulations for imports. By aligning with the arrangements, Thailand can reduce trade barriers arising from the inspections and the hygiene certifications for prepared foodstuff products which are listed under the Harmonized System Code 16 – 22 and are traded among ASEAN member countries. These foodstuff products include meat products, Fish and fish products, sugar and sugar products, cocoa and cocoa products, Cereals and cereal products, flour, milk, processed fruits and vegetables, beverages, etc. This can reduce costs and expenses incurred from repetitive inspections and allow for mutual acceptance of the food hygiene inspection and certification systems that are related to the production, import, and export of prepared foodstuff products to facilitate trade in ASEAN.

           To ensure Thailand’s preparedness for the food safety control and inspection system in accordance with the ASEAN agreement, the Thai FDA has therefore organized training workshops for officials from the provincial Public Health offices and the FDA. The workshops were aimed to provide knowledge, and foster understanding of the regulations, standard measures, and regulatory guidelines of food products, premises, and food and drug checkpoints to ensure the quality and safety standards of the food products. The workshops were held between 21 and 23 February 2024 at Amari Don Mueang Hotel, Bangkok.

           The Deputy Secretary-General concluded that the mutual arrangements would not only help food entrepreneur expand their product distribution market throughout the ASEAN region under the shared arrangements, but consumers can also be confident that prepared foodstuff products inspected by the aforementioned regulations are in line with international standards and are safe.

***************************************

    News Publication Date: 21 February 2024