Thailand Clarifies the Compliance of Genetically Modified Food and Its Labeling Requirements

Earlier in June this year, Thailand Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) unveiled the notification No. 431 and No. 432, which specified the quality standards, safety evaluation as well as labeling requirements of genetically modified food (hereinafter GMF). On August 5^th, 2022, MOPH released two clarifications for those notifications, offering more detailed explanation to enterprises.

List of documents required for genetically modified food evaluation

According to Notification No. 431, GMFs, excluding those in Annex 1, must be evaluated by risk assessment agencies designated by Thai FDA. In the recent update, the competent authority lists the documents required for safety evaluation.

• Analysis report issued by designated laboratory or governmental laboratory

• Certificate of Analysis issued by designated laboratory or governmental laboratory

• Phytosanitary certificate illustrating transgenic plant’s species features or species code

• Hygiene certificate specifying transgenic animals/plants’ species nature or species codes, or certificate indicating that there does not exist permitted transgenic plant and does not have species characteristics.

• Certificate of place of origin

• Product specification or invoice specifying the species characteristics or species code of the transgenic plants

• Statement issued by the manufacturer or exporter, which clarifies the species characteristics or species code of the transgenic plants

Labeling requirements

The recent updates include three labeling samples of GMFs

1. “Transgenic” should be indicated for product made from a single ingredient

2. Relevant information should be indicated nearby the product name for product containing transgenic ingredients

3. The product name should suggest that this product is made by transgenic plant/animal/organism.

4. The logo of “GMO” can be indicated on the package so as to provide the information to consumers (This is a voluntary requirement).