Page 100 - FoodFocusThailand No.219 June 2024

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Halal Food Organic Thailand
The Central Islamic Committee According to the Ministry of Agriculture and
of Thailand has certified the Cooperatives, organic products must include
Halal mark, which appears on 95% or more of their organic farming
labels or packaging and constituents to display the Organic Thailand
indicates that the product is certification logo on their packaging. It
suitable for Muslim consumption. The word “Halal” indicates that these organic products come from an agriculture
comes from the Arabic language and refers to any system that does not utilize synthetic substances like chemical
production, service, or distribution that is not contrary fertilizers and pesticides or use genetically modified plants or
to religious commandments. This mark will be issued animals. Furthermore, production has no adverse effect on the
to food products, beverages, Halal products, and ecosystem or environment. If the product contains a lower organic
imported meat. The Halal emblem is popular around component at 95% but more than 70%, it cannot display this
the world, not just among Muslims, because certification mark to claim that it is organic. However, the word
consumers are concerned about hygiene, security, “organic” can be placed after the primary ingredients on the label.
and well-being.
Thailand Trust Mark (T mark)
RADURA The “Trusted Quality” symbol is an excellent
Radura is a mark for food quality indicator with accepted and
products that have been guaranteed safety in accordance with world-
irradiated at the appropriate class standards in all aspects. It consists of
level, according to the Ministry product quality that is verified according to
of Public Health Announcement international standards, fair labor, social
No. 297, certifying that irradiated responsibility, and environmental concerns. The most important
products are safe for consumption and contain no criterion is heartmade quality or certification that the products were
residual radiation. Gamma rays from cobalt-60, meticulously produced and originated in Thailand. Over 800
X-rays, and electrons from the generator are examples companies have received the T Mark logo in 8 industry sectors,
of radiations that can be used in food. The primary focusing on the food and agricultural industries. This logo will support
purpose of irradiation is to minimize microorganisms consumers in building trust and a positive perception in the global
and eliminate pathogens, delay the ripening of market.
vegetables and fruits, inhibit germination during
storage, control the reproduction of insects, and GI Symbol
prolong the shelf life, particularly for the export of raw This symbol displays the glycemic index or
materials. The Ministry of Public Health announced glycemic value (high, medium, or low) on
that irradiated food must bear the irradiated label with food product packaging. It offers information
the word “Irradiated,” whereas the Radura mark is for deciding whether to buy or consume
optional. alternative products. Some countries, like
Singapore and South Africa, have certified
Healthier Choice GI products within their own borders. This product must be tested
A healthier choice is a symbol in clinical according to the ISO 26642:2010 standard method. In
for an approved product that Thailand, samples can determine glycemic index using standard
meets a nutritional requirement procedures at the Glycemic Index Testing Center (GIC),
and contains appropriate Chiang Mai University.
nutrients, particularly sugar, fat,
and sodium content, to reduce the risk of Thai Food Good Heart
noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and overnutrition. The Thai food good heart symbol is applied
It is viewed as a tool to support consumers in selecting to certified food products by the Heart
healthy products and avoiding harmful foods for their Foundation of Thailand under royal
bodies. Additionally, this symbol raises food industry patronage. These products have fulfilled the
awareness of formula modifications, such as reducing quality requirements, focusing on reducing
saltiness, oiliness, and sweetness. More than 3,000 sweetness, oiliness, saltiness, and high fiber
products are certified as healthy choices across 14 content by following the guidelines of many sectors to reduce the
categories, including main dishes, beverages, incidence of cardiovascular disease, which is the primary cause of
seasoning, dairy products, instant foods, snacks, death among Thai people. Five product groups are allowed to exhibit
ice cream, oils and fats, breads, breakfast cereals, this logo: (1) grains and products, (2) seafood and meat, (3) milk
bakery, appetizers, fish and seafood products, and and milk products, (4) oils and fats, and (5) nuts and nut products.
meat products, totaling more than 3,000 items. When buyers see this symbol on the products, they will know that
However, the healthier choice is not always nutritious, the product has the proper quantity of fat and contains healthy vitamin
so consumers should consume all food groups and a D, both of which lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
wider range of foods to achieve complete nutrition. Additionally, this sign encourages food producers to create foods
that improve Thai people’s health.
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