Abstract:
Food safety in Thailand was a retrospective study, conducted by compiling and analyzing a Specific Controlled Food quality data, collected by Food and Drug Administration Division, Ministry of Public Health, during 1969 to 1984. The quality data of 14 Specific Controlled food items which were commonly consumed in daily life were analyzed by legal definition. It was shown that all except coffee were under legal standard. Trend of safety of the other 13 items through 15 years revealed that tea, canned foods, monosodium glutamate, milk and dairy products gained better quality than food dyes, ice and sauces. But ice cream, cooking oil, soft drink and concentrated soft drink, drinking water, fish sauce and vinegar were unreliable and risky. The data also showed that there were less than 50 cases of illegal food activators per year during 1963 to 1973. No food production license, food impurities and illegal labeling were commonly practiced. Later, the number of cases became increased, the highest were 462 cases per year in 1977. Food adulteration and illegal color additives were included as well as mentioned above. Food safety and hazard were impacted by four factors, food legislation, official food administration, food production and consumption. Although food laws had been amended quite often during 15 years. Some Loopholes were taken advantageously. The most modern and effective laws were emphasized. More budget and good management of the Food and Drug Administration Division were recommended. Food industry promotion, through financial support and technical knowledge, were suggested. And consumer education was also advised.