Developing Strategies for Consumer Protection Regarding Food Labeling Authorized via Electronic Submission (E-Submission)

Abstract

Objectives: 1) To develop strategies for consumer protection concerning food labeling authorized through the E-Submission system, 2) to assess the legality of food labels for products manufactured in Surin Province that had been approved via the E-Submission system, and 3) to evaluate the knowledge and opinions of food manufacturers regarding food labeling. Methods: This mixed-method study was divided into two phases.  Phase 1 involved legality assessment of 360 food product labels, and the evaluation of knowledge and opinions of 250 food manufacturers regarding food labeling. The findings from this phase were the input for Phase 2 in developing strategies for consumer protection concerning food labeling. Two focus group discussions were conducted among food producers and regulatory officers to identify challenges in displaying labels as required by law, and develop relevant consumer protection strategies. Results: Labelling of 216 food products (60.0%) did not comply with the law. Ready-to-eat foods had a significantly higher proportion of illegality than any other food categories (P<0.001). Average knowledge score of food producers was 8.68 ± 2.49 out of 14 (range = 2-14). Most producers held positive views on labeling. The results from focus group discussion revealed challenges in displaying labels as required by law such as a lack of knowledge and no pre-use label verification. Strategies for consumer protection regarding food labeling include three key areas. Firstly, provision of education includes organizing training sessions based on by food product categories, providing standardized label templates for convenience, and disseminating information online. Secondly, encouragement strategy includes establishing accessible consultation channels regarding labelling, requiring food producers to submit their labels for review during the authorization process, and self-examination of labels by food manufacturers. Thirdly, enforcement should be strengthened by increasing label surveillance in annual inspection plans by regulatory agencies. Warnings and orders for label correction should be applied in case of legal violation, followed by legal enforcement in case of repeated violations. Conclusion: Effective consumer protection in food labeling requires addressing the problems on illegal labeling based on food categories and implementing a participatory approach that integrates education, encouragement, and legal enforcement.