Bangkok: This Mid-Autumn Festival, the offerings must be right! The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) invites you to remember the easy-to-remember "3 Don'ts and 4 Shoulds" for choosing safe food, ensuring peace of mind for the whole family. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expresses concern for the public during the Chinese Ghost Festival and advises following these principles for safely selecting food for ancestral offerings. These include avoiding unlabeled food, choosing spoiled food, and not being misled by exaggerated advertising. The FDA also emphasizes the "4 Shoulds": choose reliable sources, read labels completely, select fresh and clean food, ensure it is thoroughly cooked, and store it properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Pichet Phuedkhunthod, Deputy Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), revealed that during the Chinese Ghost Festival, when people traditionally prepare savory dishes, desserts, fruits, and drinks for ancestral worship and family meals, the FDA is concerned about consumer safety and recommends careful food selection. He advises following the simple principle of "3 Don'ts and 4 Shoulds" to ensure that the food used for worship and consumption is of high quality and safe.

Three things to avoid: 1. Don't buy food without labels or with unclear origins, especially packaged food. It should have a complete Thai label showing information such as the food name, food registration number, name and address of the manufacturer or importer, production or expiration date, and storage instructions. 2. Avoid spoiled food, such as fresh food with unusual color, smell, or appearance, signs of rot or mold, and overly brightly colored auspicious sweets. 3. Don't be misled by exaggerated advertising, especially for products purchased online. Always verify product information and the seller before making a purchase.

Part 4 should include: 1. Choosing a clean, reliable, and standardized source of purchase; 2. Reading the label carefully, checking all information, especially the food registration number, expiration date, and storage instructions; 3. Selecting fresh foods such as duck, chicken, pork, seafood, vegetables, and fruits that are fresh in color, smell, and appearance, without signs of spoilage or mold; and 4. Cooking and storing food properly. Eat freshly cooked food. If not consumed completely, store leftovers in a clean container and refrigerate quickly. When reheating, always reheat thoroughly. Do not leave food at room temperature for extended periods, as this may cause microbial growth and increase the risk of food poisoning.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA added that the Chinese Ghost Festival is a time when families come together to make merit and share meals. Therefore, the public is urged to pay attention to every step, from selecting and preparing food to cooking and storing it, especially food used for offerings and consumed together. This ensures that the ancestral worship ceremony is both "correct and safe." If any food or health products are suspected of being substandard or potentially harmful to consumers, complaints can be filed via the FDA hotline 1556, Line@FDAThai, Facebook: FDAThai, email: [email protected], P.O. Box 1556, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11004, or provincial public health offices nationwide. This collaborative effort aims to monitor and ensure food safety during the Chinese Ghost Festival.