Page 107 - FoodFocusThailand No.219 June 2024

STANDARDS & REGULATIONS

From FFC Japan to the Birth of FFC Thailand projects. Furthermore, manufacturers should be well equipped
Japan embarked on a systematic FFC endeavor in 2015, with suitable ecosystem with in-depth knowledge and well put
issued by Japan’s CAA (Consumer Affairs Agency), to tailor together through various means, such as training, consultation,
agricultural and food products to meet the criteria for laboratory testing services, online learning centers, and
displaying health claims on the labels. A private company is documentation review services for health claim applications.
required to be solely responsible for submitting scientifically Achieving these objectives would significantly enable successful
sound documents and credible scientific evidence to application process and expedite the significant number of
substantiate the functional properties of their food products. product introductions into the health food markets.
By 2017, 1,023 foods were issued FFC products. The
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization Current Assessment of FFC Thailand’s Scope
(NARO) of Japan carried out research initiatives to deliver FIRN has proposed the following scopes for the Thai version
clinical research outcomes of agricultural products and other of FFC, which are currently under evaluation:
necessary evidence of their health impacts, including the 1. Eligible product types: fresh agricultural produces,
consumption of agricultural ingredients, extending even to processed foods, and food supplements
foods in bento lunchboxes, processed foods, and 2. Scope of Functional Claims: Scientific research must
supplements. substantiate the presence and quantity of bioactive substances,
Following the introduction of “Abenomics,” the economic confirming their beneficial functional or physiological effects on
policy championed by former Japanese Prime Minister the human body under normal conditions. This scope excludes
Shinzo Abe, a revised approach to health claim labeling and products intended for infants, pregnant or breastfeeding
definitions for health foods prioritized the convenience of women, specific-purpose foods, or medical diets. However,
consumers and manufacturers. This led to the ratification disease risk reduction claims are not within the purview of this
and implementation of the Food with Function Claim system scope. For bioactives with functional properties already listed
(FFC) alongside the existing FOSHU system. FFC empowers in the Thai FDA’s Positive List, they can be used in permitted
consumers with clearer information on foods, enabling them quantities (for specific claim language) without requiring
to make informed purchasing decisions based on scientifically additional clinical research for validation.
sound proven effects on physiological function and specific 3. Each product type adheres to specific manufacturing and
health claims, with safety criteria assuring confidence in safety standards, ensuring comprehensive consumer protection
product safety. Adhering to regulatory measures, food as mandated by the regulatory framework of the Food Act
operators who enter notification with supporting evidence administered by the Food and Drug Administration. These
internal review by CAA and accurately label claim statements regulations encompass quality, safety, and standards for safety
on the products. Engagement of companies in transparent assessment, aligning with toxicological principles for novel
unbiased research of which reports along with products foods. Furthermore, processed items must obtain certification
details are submitted to FFC online. Moreover, product data with a 13-digit product serial number issued by the Thai FDA,
accessibility by the public is required, with respect to the a requirement should be also extended to agricultural products
protection of intellectual property rights. with FFC health claims.
4. Food operators can submit products required for health
Establishing FFC Thailand: Procedure and and safety evidence. Substantiation based on well-designed
Process clinical research, adhering to recognized international
As Thailand’s elderly population is experiencing rapid growth, standards, or by systematic review (SR) report(s) that have
comprising 19 percent of the total population (Source: undergone a peer review. Permissible levels of bioactives and
Foundation of Thai Gerontology Research and Development the maximum duration of consumption must be determined
Institute, 2022), adopting FFC Japan system is imperative. based on evidence from research and scientifically validated
However, adjustments must be made to tailor it effectively to avoid any adverse effects such as irritation, or allergies.
to the scale and needs of Thai agricultural and food situation Overclaim or similar language is strictly prohibited.
and research ecosystem. 5. The online platform not only encompasses regulatory
Today, Thailand continues to rely on costly imports of measures and guidelines for research design, including clinical
functional ingredients and extracts due to its limited research, but also hosts essential databases that support
technological and financial inputs on Thai raw materials for research and development endeavors. Through the
functional food ingredients. There is a pressing need to e-submission system, food operators can access application
promote the exploration of bioactive substances and templates for online completion and submission. Upon
functional ingredients to add value to agricultural and food submission, documents undergo examination by experts to
businesses. FIRN reported Thailand’s abundance of ensure their validity. Any documents requiring correction are
bioactive compounds commonly were commercially returned to the operator for revisions. Upon approval of all
launched by systemic research results published in documents, an FFC product number is issued. Food operators
international academic journals, and patents. To harness the bear responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of submitted
health benefits of Thai agricultural and food products, greater documentation, product information aimed at consumer
support is required to transform them into high-value education, research evidence, and compliance with standards.
ingredients and products through innovative research

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