AMCHAM Food & Agribusiness Alert: Modernizing Regulations on Jams, Jellies, and Marmalades

Vol. 12 of February 3,  2025

For more than 25 years, Thailand’s regulations governing jams, jellies, and marmalades have remained unchanged. In light of evolving international standards, advancements in food production, and shifting consumer preferences, now is the right time to revise and modernize these regulations.

The draft Notification of the Ministry of Public Health (No. 455) B.E. 2568 (2025) is currently under review. It is in the process of being signed by the Minister of Public Health and will subsequently be published in the Royal Gazette, making it legally enforceable.

This update aims to align Thai regulations with international standards, particularly the Codex Standard for Jams, Jellies, and Marmalades (CXS 296-2009). The revision will enhance regulatory efficiency and strengthen consumer protection, while reducing obstacles to the development of healthier food products. Key improvements include:

• Greater Flexibility in Ingredients – The new Regulation will no longer mandate sugar as a primary ingredient. Instead, natural sweeteners such as honey, and fruit-based sugars may be used. Additionally, product consistency and texture can be adjusted using approved food additives, ensuring manufacturers can develop innovative and healthier products.
• Revised Fruit Content and Soluble Solids Criteria – The updated Regulation will establish clear minimum fruit content levels and soluble solids criteria for each product category, ensuring transparency and consistency in quality.
• Expanded Definition of “Fruit” – To align with Codex standards, the definition of “fruit” will now encompass both fruits and vegetables deemed suitable for jam, jelly, and marmalade production.
• Permitted Use of Additional Ingredients – New provisions will allow for the inclusion of herbs, spices, nuts, grains, and essential oils, provided they do not mislead consumers or compromise product quality. Additionally, alcohol may be used as a flavoring ingredient, with the requirement to display an alcohol content warning on the label.
• Removal of pH Requirements – The previous pH regulations, which did not cover all fruit varieties and were not a strict safety requirement under Codex guidelines, will be eliminated. Instead, product stability will be ensured through approved stabilizers.
• Enhanced Microbiological Standards – In addition to existing safety measures, the revised regulation will introduce yeast and mold testing to further safeguard product quality.
• New Labeling Requirements – To enhance consumer awareness, the revised regulation will introduce clearer labeling guidelines, including mandatory statements for alcohol content and specific product classifications based on fruit content and soluble solids.

Businesses currently producing or importing jams, jellies, and marmalades under existing approvals will be granted a transition period of one year and 180 days from the effective date of the new regulation to comply with the updated standards.

With these updates, Thailand is taking a significant step toward modernizing its food regulations, ensuring they remain relevant, effective, and aligned with international best practices. This revision will benefit both consumers and manufacturers, promoting transparency, safety, and innovation in the food industry.

(Source: https://food.fda.moph.go.th/press-release/law-draft-455)