FDA certifies asbestos-free Thai talcum powder

      Thailand has confirmed that its talcum powder is not contaminated with asbestos, following Cambodia’s temporary ban on the import and sale of Thai baby powder after it was said to contain asbestos.

      As reported in the news, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collected 15 samples of talcum powder from all production and distribution sites and immediately sent them to the Office of Science Development and the National Technology Council (National Science and Technology Development Agency, NSTDA) for analysis.

      According to the results of the analysis, all 15 samples were asbestos-free. As a result, consumers can be reassured of its safety and quality. Cambodia also sent samples of the new talcum powder to be tested for asbestos again in Australia. The analysis revealed that there was no asbestos in any of the samples. As a result, the ban on talcum powder produced in Thailand was lifted.

      However, it is not recommended to use large amounts of talcum powder for safety reasons because the powder easily disperses in the air. It can irritate the respiratory tract if too much is inhaled. Furthermore, the law requires a warning on the label of talcum powder products for children under the age of three: “Be careful not to let the powder get into children’s noses and mouths.”

      If consumers have concerns about the safety of health products, they should contact the FDA at 1556 or via Line@FDAThai; Facebook: FDAThai; or email: 1556@fda.moph.go.th. Or they may contact Provincial Public Health Offices throughout the country.

Source: Food and Drug Administration Office, 88/24, Tiwanon Road, Talad Khwan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province 11000. (Telephone: +66 2590 7000)

Release date: 10 September 2022