Bangkok: Strict measures have been introduced to enhance the quality and safety of school milk programs, including the mandatory use of GPS tracking on transport vehicles, to prevent the adulteration of milk powder. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture recently led a meeting of the School Milk Committee, which approved critical adjustments to the project's criteria for the 2026 academic year, focusing on the stringent quality control of raw milk with a minimum total solids content of 11.45%.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, chaired the meeting of the Committee on Milk for Children and Youth. He emphasized that the meeting approved the review of the draft guidelines for the implementation of the school milk supplement program for the 2026 academic year, after considering feedback from stakeholders. The minimum total solids content of milk was established at 11.45%, aligning with the safety standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to enhance the quality of raw milk.

The meeting underscored the importance of monitoring the quality of raw milk and maintaining a comprehensive database to prevent adulteration with milk powder. Operators found violating these standards will face severe penalties and immediate disqualification from the program.

Furthermore, the committee approved draft standards for the transportation and storage of school milk. All transport vehicles must now be equipped with GPS systems to enable continuous tracking, ensuring adherence to quality assurance protocols. Subcontracting is prohibited to maintain high standards.

The committee aims to complete the process of allocating eligibility and verifying the qualifications of program participants by April 2026, ensuring quality milk is ready for distribution to students nationwide by the start of the school year on May 18, 2026.

The meeting also acknowledged changes in the administrative framework following a Cabinet resolution from January 20, 2026. The restructuring, as per the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Order No. 239/2026, involves reassigning the Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development as a committee member and secretary. This change replaces the Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Promotion to ensure consistent oversight of raw milk standards, prioritizing the welfare of children and youth.