The Positive List refers to the “list of approved health claims for bioactive substances” issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Businesses can use these approved health claims on product labels or in advertisements without seeking individual approval, provided they comply with the prescribed conditions. It serves as a bridge between businesses and consumers, offering scientifically verified information that is accurate and safe.
The Positive List is a key driver for Thailand’s health food industry. Led by the FDA, the initiative brings together government agencies, research institutes, verification bodies, businesses, and consumers, all working toward a shared goal.
Highlights of the Positive List
- Supported by scientific evidence that meets international standards.
- Health claims must be provable, credible, and safe.
- Developed under Ministry of Public Health Notification No. 447 B.E. 2566.
- Categorized into three types:
- Nutrient Claim
- Other Function Claim
- Reduce Risk Claim
The Positive List delivers mutual benefits for both businesses and consumers.
Benefits for Businesses
- Simplifies operations — no need to apply for new health claim approvals for ingredients listed on the Positive List.
- Cuts administrative costs by up to 70%.
- Accelerates market entry — from an average of 2 years to just 2 months.
- Boosts sales — products with health claims on labels can see an average 50% increase.
- Immediate usability — claims can be applied to product labels right away without additional research, risk, or delay.
Benefits for Consumers
- Access to high-quality, safe food products.
- Confidence that all claims are scientifically verified.
Examples of Proposed Health Claims
- Inulin from Chicory: “Inulin from chicory helps maintain normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency.”
- Cocoa Flavanols: “Cocoa flavanols help maintain blood vessel elasticity, contributing to normal blood circulation.”
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): “Fructooligosaccharides help increase bifidobacteria in the intestine.”
- Replacing Saturated Fat with Unsaturated Fat: “Replacing saturated fat in the diet with unsaturated fat helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.”
Background
MHESI-NXPO, in collaboration with the FDA, the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), and the Food Innovation Research Network (FIRN), developed the framework, mechanisms, and policy for the Positive List initiative. This collaboration includes funding research and integrating data from academia, industry, and agriculture to establish the Positive List, with the following objectives:
- Develop 150 approved items by 2027, supported by SR and Clinical Trial research grants.
- Promote Thailand’s future food industry.
- Generate over 500 billion THB in added value.
- Create new opportunities for farmers as raw material suppliers.
- Attract investment, technology, and researchers.
- Enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness.
The Positive List is more than a marketing tool — it is a scientifically validated mechanism for communicating health benefits through labeling.
For more information
- NXPO: 02-109-5432
- FDA: 0-2590-7000
- PMUC: 02-109-5432 ext. 877
- ARDA: 02-579-7435
