FDA Discovers Six Hazardous Substances in Food Products

Lertchai Lertwut, Deputy Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has reported that in the fiscal year 2024, the FDA has analyzed and announced findings of unsafe food products from 35 different samples collected from 32 locations. The analysis revealed the presence of hazardous substances that pose serious health risks when consumed.

Key Findings from FDA’s Investigation:

Presence of Modern Pharmaceuticals: 14 food samples contained regulated pharmaceutical compounds, including Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Fluoxetine, Orlistat, and Melatonin.
Detection of a Psychoactive Substance: 20 samples were found to contain Sibutramine, a substance classified as a Type 1 psychotropic agent.
Combination of Both Pharmaceuticals and Psychotropic Substances: One food sample contained both modern pharmaceuticals and a Type 1 psychotropic substance.
Pathogenic Microorganisms: One sample tested positive for Bacillus cereus, a bacterium known to cause foodborne illness.
Hygiene Indicator Bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and coliform bacteria were detected in one sample, indicating poor sanitary conditions.

Legal and Health Implications

Under Thailand’s Food Act of 1979, the presence of unauthorized pharmaceutical substances and psychotropic agents in food is considered a serious violation, rendering the products unsafe for consumption. Additionally, food found to contain harmful bacteria beyond permissible limits is classified as substandard.

Potential Health Risks of These Substances

Sildenafil and Tadalafil: These prescription drugs, used to treat erectile dysfunction, require a doctor’s approval. Side effects include headaches, facial flushing, abnormal vision, low blood pressure, and, in severe cases, heart failure, increased intraocular pressure, or hearing loss.
Fluoxetine: An antidepressant used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. It affects neurotransmitter levels in the brain and is classified as a hazardous drug under Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health regulations.
Orlistat: A weight-loss medication that inhibits fat absorption. It is classified as a hazardous drug and may cause vitamin deficiency or oily stools as a side effect.
Melatonin: A sleep aid that can cause drowsiness and headaches. It is particularly risky for individuals with autoimmune diseases, epilepsy, liver or kidney disorders, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Sibutramine: A banned weight-loss drug known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.

Bacterial Contamination and Its Dangers

Bacillus cereus: This bacterium produces toxins that lead to two types of food poisoning—one causing vomiting and the other resulting in diarrhea.
Escherichia coli (E. coli): Depending on the strain, this bacterium can cause symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to severe gastrointestinal distress, including bloody stools and kidney complications.
Coliform Bacteria: These bacteria indicate fecal contamination in food and water sources. Symptoms include fever, stomach pain, and diarrhea, similar to flu-like infections.

Consumer Caution and FDA Advisory

The FDA urges consumers to be vigilant when purchasing and consuming food products. The public can check for unsafe food products through the official FDA website. Strict legal actions will be taken against manufacturers found guilty of violating food safety regulations.

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