FDA Offers Tips for Safe and Healthy Vegetarian Festival

During the Vegetarian Festival, Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages the public to enjoy a safe and healthy experience. Consumers are advised to check food labels carefully and thoroughly wash fresh produce to ensure it is free from harmful residues.

Pharmacist Lertchai Lertwut, Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, emphasized the importance of choosing safe vegetarian food and produce. For ready-to-eat vegetarian foods, it is recommended to look for products with clear labels, which should include the food name, registration number, manufacturer or importer details, net weight, main ingredients, production date, and expiration date.

When selecting fresh produce, it is essential to choose items that are fresh, clean, free of strong odors, mold, unnatural colors, soil residue, and pesticide residues. Additionally, selecting produce with some signs of insect bites can indicate fewer pesticide residues. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are preferred. Before consumption or cooking, thoroughly wash produce using one of the following methods recommended by the FDA:

1. Plain Water Soak: Soak produce in plain water for 5–20 minutes, then rinse under running water for at least 30 seconds. This method is best for small quantities.
2. Baking Soda Solution: Soak produce in a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) per 4 liters of water for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
3. Saltwater Solution: Soak produce in a solution of 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 liters of water for 15 minutes.

The FDA has implemented measures to inspect vegetarian products sold in markets and supermarkets, checking for animal DNA and pesticide residues. Violators may face imprisonment and fines if animal DNA is found in vegetarian products, or if residues exceed permissible levels.

To report illegal health products, consumers can contact the FDA hotline at 1556, email 1556@fda.moph.go.th, or visit local health offices.

Source: Thai Health