Bangkok: Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, has directed the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to collaborate with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce strict regulations on "edible gold leaf" following the discovery of misleading advertising on social media. She has urged popular platforms to block these advertisements and advised consumers to verify product claims before purchase due to potential health risks.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas, in her role overseeing the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), has instructed Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, to swiftly investigate and regulate the online advertising and sales of gold leaf or "gold metallic foil" used for decorating food, bakery products, beverages, and desserts. This move comes after identifying numerous products making claims such as "24K edible gold" or "food grade" without verified safety standards or certifications from relevant agencies.
The regulation aligns with government initiatives under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who emphasizes consumer protection in online marketplaces. There's a growing trend of consumers purchasing aesthetically appealing food and bakery products online. However, misleading advertisements pose significant risks to consumers.
Ms. Supamas expressed concerns about consumers potentially purchasing products labeled as 'edible gold' or '24K,' which might only be decorative alloys or foils not intended for consumption. She highlighted the health implications of long-term consumption of such products if they are not genuinely safe for eating and stressed the need for manufacturers to clearly specify whether their products are decorative or consumable.
Ms. Supamas emphasized that such advertising falls under the CPB's jurisdiction due to its exaggerated claims that mislead consumers about the safety of these products. She noted that many items lack proper labeling, fail to identify the manufacturer or importer, and some might be unsafe for consumers, prompting immediate CPB investigation and action.
The CPB has coordinated with the FDA of the Ministry of Public Health to evaluate the safety of materials used in food products, while major online platforms have been requested to remove misleading products from their systems. Ms. Supamas expressed appreciation for the cooperation from agencies and platforms in this effort to ensure consumer safety.
Ms. Supamas urged online entrepreneurs to avoid selling misleading information and advised consumers to check three key points before purchasing gold leaf or foil for food decoration: verify if the product is for decorative or edible use, confirm the manufacturer's and importer's details along with certification documents, and be cautious of unusually cheap products that claim to be pure gold without evidence.
Consumers encountering misleading or potentially unsafe products or advertisements are encouraged to report them through the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the ocpb.go.th website, and the Damrongtham Centers nationwide.