Consumer Protection and FDA Crack Down on Misleading 'Edible Gold Leaf' Advertising
Thai authorities are cracking down on misleading online advertising of edible gold leaf products that make unsubstantiated health and safety claims without proper certification. The Consumer Protection Board and FDA are investigating seller
The Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are stepping up enforcement against misleading advertising of edible gold leaf and metallic foil products used to decorate food, bakery items, beverages, and confections sold online. Deputy Prime Minister Supamas Issraphakdi revealed on May 26 that the OCPB Secretary General Ranrong Poonpipat has been tasked with investigating and controlling advertisements using unsubstantiated claims such as "24K edible gold," "consumable," or "food grade" without proper safety certification or documentation from relevant agencies.
According to Supamas, such misleading advertising practices fall directly under OCPB jurisdiction, as they use exaggerated claims and deceive consumers into believing products are safe to consume without supporting evidence. Many listings also lack complete labeling, fail to identify manufacturers or importers clearly, and may pose safety risks to consumers. The OCPB can immediately investigate and take action against such violations.
Supamas stated that the OCPB is coordinating with the FDA under the Ministry of Public Health to assess the safety of materials used in food products, while requesting major online platforms to remove misleading listings from their systems. Platforms have cooperated well with these efforts. She emphasized: "Businesses can sell beauty, but they must not sell deception."
Supamas provided three essential checkpoints for consumers before purchasing edible gold leaf or decorative foil: 1) Verify that labels clearly specify whether the product is for decoration or consumption; 2) Check manufacturer and importer information along with certification documents; 3) Avoid suspiciously cheap products claiming to be pure gold without verification.
Consumers who encounter deceptive or unsafe products can report them to the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect mobile application, the website ocpb.go.th, or local consumer protection centers nationwide.
