Thailand Finalizes Chocolate and Cocoa Products Standards

On 29 June 2023 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Thailand, under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), published two regulations finalizing the revision of chocolate product standards and new cocoa bean standards.

The changes will take effect on 30 June 2023. Any products circulated before the effective date of the new regulations are permitted for circulation until 30 June 2025.

3E Review

Following two public consultations, the two following regulations (Notification of the Ministry of Public Health) were issued:

• Notification of the Ministry of Public Health No. 441 B.E. 2566 (2023) Issued by Virtue of the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) Re: Chocolate and Chocolate Products
• Notification of the Ministry of Public Health No. 442 B.E. 2566 (2023) Issued by Virtue of the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) Re: Cocoa Bean Products
  Revised Standards on Chocolate and Chocolate Products

The first regulations update and replace the current chocolate and chocolate product standards. The key changes represent a significant expansion of product scopes. Under the 2023 revision, 17 chocolate products must now meet several general and specific food standards, including the characteristics, permitted ingredients, and composition of food additives, processing aids, and flavoring substances. Specific restrictions and prohibitions on the use of specific food items (e.g., animal or milk fat or corn starch) will also apply. The detailed required characteristics of each product are provided in the annex of the regulation.

The regulation replaces and repeals the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health (No. 83) B.E. 2527 (1984) Re: Chocolate and all of its amendments.

New Standards on Products Derived from Cocoa Beans

The second regulation stipulates the new standards on cocoa products. Food products derived from cocoa beans include cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, cocoa mass, and cocoa powder. The products must conform to quality and safety standards, including requirements for the characteristics, permitted ingredients, and composition of food additives, contaminants, toxins, residues, hygiene, and labeling standards. Flavoring agents in cocoa powder and cocoa mass must be at the good manufacturing practice (GMP) level, but chocolate and milk flavors are prohibited in all products.

3E Analysis

Affected businesses should ensure they follow the new and updated requirements. Other regulations referred to therein (e.g., food additives, food contaminants, flavoring, food packaging, labeling requirements, etc.) should also be considered to ensure full compliance.

For a copy of the source document (PDF in Thai/English), please contact us at Support@3Eco.com.