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SPECIAL TALK BY FIRN

Multi-country Comparison of

Regulations on Functional Foods

The primary function of food is to provide nutrients to nourish the body, and to provide the energy needed
for daily activities as well as for growth and development. However, there is now more recognition of the
additional benefits provided by foods, beyond basic nutrition, in promoting health and reducing risk of certain
chronic diseases, due to the presence of some bioactive food components. These foods are generally known
as “functional foods”.

Although the term “functional foods”
is not commonly used in most regional
regulations or legal systems, there must
be regulatory control of these foods so
as to protect consumer interest and to
ensure that the health claims used are
based on scientific evidence.
Pauline Chan There should be a review on the
ILSI SEA Region
paulinechan@ilsisea.org.sg current regulatory status of various
health claims permitted in Southeast
Asian regional countries, the permitted
claims included in the available
positive lists, the regulatory framework
for application and review of claim
applications, as well as the scientific
substantiation requirement.
As harmonization of the claims
regulations and the scientific
substantiation of health claims in
the region will help not only with the
improvement of consumer understanding
of key messages on food labels, but also
the reduction of trade barriers to the
commercial distribution of foods and
beverages in the region, potential areas
identified for harmonization will also be
shared.

ฉลากอาหารได้ดียิ่งขึ้น แต่ยังช่วยลด
การกีดกันทางการค้าในการกระจายสินค้า
เชิงพาณิชย์ของผลิตภัณฑ์อาหารและ
เครื่องดื่มในภูมิภาค ซึ่งได้มีการด�าเนินการ
เลือกรายการสารอาหารที่มีความเป็นไปได้
ในการประสานข้อก�าหนดการกล่าวอ้าง
ทางสุขภาพให้สอดคล้องกันในภูมิภาค
เกิดขึ้น

JUN 2018 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 27