Thai food authority moves closer
Food Authority of Thailand has been approved in principle by Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai newspaper the Bangkok Post
reports this week.
A plan for the Agriculture Ministry to be the focal point of a new Food Authority of Thailand has been approved in principle by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai newspaper the Bangkok Post reports this week.
However, Cabinet approval would be required for the change in the ministry's role, said Petipong Pungbun na Ayudhya, the ministry's permanent secretary. Because food products are supervised by the Food and Drug Administration, part of the Health Ministry, legal amendments would be needed to transfer the duty to the Agriculture Ministry, he said.
According to the newspaper the food authority would be a single agency to handle all issues related to the food industry, enabling manufacturers and traders to receive a one-stop service.
Petipong said the agency would have authority to oversee food exports, starting from primary production to food processing and issuing food certification for exports. It would also take part in trade negotiations related to food standards.
