The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to propose a draft announcement to the health minister to raise the quality standards of bottled water and ice to international levels.
Doctor Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary General of the FDA, said the proposal aims to benefit manufacturers, consumers, and the environment. A recent meeting was held to present the draft regulations, which focus on tightening controls over contaminants and improving labelling practices.
Under the proposal, regulations would allow manufacturers to use voluntary digital labels. Essential information, such as the product name, trademark, registration number, quantity, and production or expiry dates, could be displayed through embossing or engraving rather than ink printing.
Additional details may be provided via QR codes on bottle caps, as reported by KhaoSod.
Dr Surachoke noted that these measures would help reduce label waste, lower the cost of recycled plastic, and limit ink and adhesive contamination. The revised labelling rules will apply to natural mineral water and soda water.
The FDA said the changes will encourage producers to adopt more eco-friendly packaging to meet the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers. The initiative also supports the circular economy and Thailand’s sustainable development goals.
In separate Thai FDA news, the administration has warned against using smartwatches and smart rings to monitor blood sugar, citing health risks and a lack of approval.
In January 2025, FDA Deputy Secretary General Leutchai Lerwut said these devices have no scientific validation and could produce inaccurate readings.
In other Thai FDA news, over 8,000 packs of noodles, mala soup, and dried bean curd imported from China were seized in Bangkok for lacking Thai FDA approval.
On April 20, police raided a residence in Soi Nimitmai 42, Khlong Samwa district, where the goods worth over 300,000 baht were stored. Concerns were raised about potential health risks associated with the products if consumed.
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