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SPECIAL TALK BY FIRN

1. Obtain a good understanding of the end c. Reduction-of-disease-risk claims – similarly to Other function claims required
product claim and market positioning as documentation. There have been some such claims allowed in the US, for
well as how to navigate and prepare for example calcium for risk reduction of osteoporosis, omega-3 fatty acids for
regulatory requirements up front. If the reducing risk of cardiovascular disease or lycopene for risk reduction
product has a history of consumption for of prostate cancer.
less than 15 years, it must go through a Thai Example “In take of calcium of X mg from
Novel Food safety approval. Otherwise, Food Y together with suitable exercise at least Z
the product will go through a regular food hrs per day consistently help build strong bones
labelling petition and Health Claim petition in women and helps reduce the risk
of osteoporosis upon aging.”
2. Understand different claim categories
a. Nutrient function claims require
scientific documentation namely
systematic review (s) and Meta-analysis
that have been published in highly
respectable journal or scientific reviews
and opinions that are well accepted and
wildly acknowledged from organization
or committee that are well accepted or
respected internationally or well-
designed human intervention study
that have been published in a well-
respected journal.

For example of claim in this category
“Calcium partly helps build strong bone and teeth.
Product A is a source of calcium.” (based on FDA
announcement 182) Thai FDA has issued a
positive list for nutrients that can be used for
health claims.

b. Other function claims – supportive
scientific documents include reports
that are well-designed human
intervention studies in full and have
been published in well-respected
scientific journals and one of the
following
(1) Systematic review and Meta-
analysis that have been published in
well-respected journals or
(2) Scientific opinions that have been
well accepted and respected from
organization or officials or expert group
that are respected internationally.

Currently, Thailand has not issued a Positive
List for Other functional claim where as some
other ASEAN countries have such as Malaysia
and Singapore.

OCT 2018 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 25