There are various alternative protein products in the Thai market. However, there are no clear guidelines for controlling and regulating the safety of alternative protein products in Thailand. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) is studying the production and importation of alternative protein products in Thailand and the regulations implemented in foreign countries to develop the legislation and standards regulating alternative plant-based protein products in Thailand.
On May 23, 2024 the Thai FDA launched a public consultation on its plans to introduce a draft proposal for developing regulations and measures to oversee alternative proteins. The draft proposal covers plant-based meat, beverages, and milk. It includes rules on ingredients, nutritional quality, food additives, food contaminants, pesticide residue, pathogens, health claims, and the use of certified logos.
Food producers can use names that correspond with the physical characteristics of the food (for example, nuggets, mince, fillet, burger, patties, sausage, bacon, cheese analogue, almond milk), followed by “plant-based” or “from the main type of raw material”, such as "nuggets from soybeans", "plant-based burgers", etc.
It is prohibited to use a term that could be mistaken as a food product made from meat or milk (for example, meat product, Angus, Wague, Kurobuta, clean meat, cheddar, mozzarella, etc.).
Pictures, symbols, or markings that indicate animal origin on the front or back of the packaging is prohibited. However, pictures of food on packaging are allowed.
June 5, 2024/ American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM)/ Thailand.
https://www.amchamthailand.com