Thai schools warned about unapproved candy balls’ sale posing health risks to students
Education authorities issued a health warning about the sale of candy balls near schools. These products, which do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and are not correctly labelled according to Ministry of Public Health announcements and Food Act B.E. 2522, could potentially harm children’s health. This was revealed today by Pheumpoon Chidchob, Education Minister.
The FDA had alerted the Ministry of Education to the widespread sale of the candy balls popular among children and teenagers. These candies, which have not obtained product approval from the FDA, are sold in containers that do not comply with the Ministry of Public Health’s announcement and the Food Act.
As a result, the FDA requested the Ministry of Education’s cooperation in preventing any potential health impacts on students, reported KhaoSod. The Education Minister was more than happy to respond to the request.
“As schools are gradually reopening, we have instructed all educational institutions, including the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), and the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), to communicate with the local education offices and private education offices in each province. They must monitor and track the sale of these candy balls around schools, following the FDA’s warning.”
The candy balls in question are sweet products with a sour taste, packed in colourful ball-shaped containers, making them attractive to children.
“We are concerned that if children consume these, it could affect their health. We urge parents, guardians, and the public to also help monitor the sale of food and snacks around schools. If anyone notices anything suspicious, they can report it via the FDA hotline 1556, Line@FDAThai, Facebook FDAThai, email 1556@fda.moph.go.th, or to any provincial public health office.”
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