The Food and Drug Administration in Bangkok has made a significant move by seizing over 94,000 illegal Chinese products in the past three months. The crackdown involved raids on 47 Chinese supermarkets in the city, resulting in the confiscation of a wide range of products across 341 categories. These products were found to be in violation of labelling regulations, according to FDA deputy secretary-general Lertchai Lertvut.
The importance of Thai-language labels on food products was emphasized by Mr. Lertchai, who explained that failing to display these labels could result in fines of up to 30,000 baht. Similarly, sellers of cosmetics without Thai labels could face fines of up to 10,000 baht and/or a jail term of one month. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers.
To protect themselves, consumers are advised to only purchase products with Thai labels that include essential information such as food names, manufacturers, importers, manufacturing and expiry dates, as well as FDA registration numbers. This attention to detail can help individuals make informed decisions about the products they buy and consume.
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the quality and safety of products coming from China. Instances of counterfeit goods, substandard products, and misleading labelling have raised alarms among consumers and regulatory authorities. The seizure of illegal Chinese products in Bangkok is part of a larger effort to crack down on such practices and protect the public from potentially harmful products.
The collaboration between the FDA, police, and district officials in conducting these raids demonstrates a concerted effort to uphold regulations and hold violators accountable. By working together and actively monitoring the market for illegal products, authorities are taking proactive steps to safeguard public health and well-being.
As consumers, it is essential to remain vigilant and informed about the products we purchase. Checking labels, verifying information, and reporting any suspicious products can help prevent the circulation of illegal goods and protect ourselves and our communities. With proper awareness and enforcement of regulations, we can create a safer marketplace for everyone.
