FDA Warns Against Using Gold Leaf or Gold Powder in Food, Says It Has No Nutritional Value and Risks Heavy Metal Contamination

The FDA has advised against using gold leaf or gold powder in food products, warning that it provides no nutritional benefit and may pose risks from heavy metal contamination that could impact health if accumulated over time. On May 27, 2026, Supattra Bunserm, Secretary of the Food and Drug Commission, revealed that gold leaf and gold powder have been found decorating or added to food products such as bakery items and confectioneries to enhance luxury appeal and increase product value. The FDA is concerned about using food decorative substances for aesthetics alone, and business operators should prioritize consumer safety. For packaged processed foods requiring FDA pre-approval before sale, the FDA has explicitly banned the use of gold leaf or gold powder as a food ingredient. For foods prepared and sold directly to consumers, although they are exempt from requiring FDA approval, the agency does not recommend using gold leaf or gold powder for decoration, as they provide no nutritional value and may pose safety risks if the gold is non-standard. If accumulated over extended periods, such exposure could harm health. Therefore, consumers should avoid consuming gold leaf from unknown or uncertain sources. Anyone discovering food products suspected of being substandard or unsafe can report them to the FDA hotline 1556, Line @FDAThai, email 1556@fda.moph.go.th, or provincial health offices throughout the country.