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Health & beauty literacy

Read a Thai label in one minute

Before you buy food, supplements, cosmetics or herbal products, look at these 4 things on the label — then check the Thai FDA number right away.

  1. 1Find the FDA no.
  2. 2Check the dates
  3. 3Read the ingredients
  4. 4Read the warnings

Check a Thai FDA number

Look at these 4 first

13-digit food serial number

Inside the Thai FDA logo box — type it into the number check to see whether it matches the registered product name

Expiry or best-before date

It must say which date it is. Do not eat after the date.

Ingredients and allergen information

Look for "contains…" or "may contain…" such as milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat or seafood — vital if anyone at home has an allergy

Nutrition panel and GDA

GDA shows energy, sugar, fat and sodium per pack against daily needs — handy for comparing similar products

Look at these 4 first

13-digit food serial number

Supplements use a food serial number, not a cosmetic notification or drug registration — check that it matches the product name

Required warnings

It must say it does not prevent or cure disease and that you should eat a varied diet. Be careful if these are missing.

Active ingredients and daily amount

See how much you take a day and how much of each substance you get. Taking several products together can exceed what your body needs for some vitamins and minerals.

Expiry date

Check the date and storage advice, such as keeping it dry and out of the sun

Look at these 4 first

10- or 13-digit notification number

Cosmetics sold in Thailand must be notified — check that the number matches the product in your hand

Every ingredient

Listed from the largest amount to the smallest. If you have reacted to something before (fragrance, certain preservatives), look for its name.

Manufacture and expiry dates

The month and year of manufacture are required; products that keep for less than 30 months (or contain certain ingredients, such as avobenzone in sunscreens) must also show an expiry date. Watch for changes in smell or colour after opening.

Directions and warnings

Follow the directions and stop if you get a reaction. Some ingredients require specific warnings, such as sunscreens and fluoride toothpaste.

Look at these 4 first

Registration, notification or listing number

Herbal products carry different numbers depending on their type — check that it matches the product name

Active herbs and amounts

See which herbs it contains and how much per unit

Dose, directions and warnings

Use the dose on the label. If you have a chronic illness, are pregnant or take other medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist first.

Expiry date

Check the expiry date and storage advice

Warning signs

  • No Thai FDA number, or the number is not found
  • The number belongs to a different product type, such as a supplement using a cosmetic notification number
  • The number exists but the registered name does not match the product in your hand
  • No Thai text on the label at all, although it is sold in Thailand
  • Claims to treat, prevent or cure disease on food, supplements or cosmetics

These signs are reasons to check further, not proof that a product is unlawful. If in doubt, call the Thai FDA hotline 1556.

Making your own label?

Check your label against Thai FDA notifications with the label check tool

Go to label check

General information, not medical advice · This page teaches how to read labels; it does not assess any brand.