#Foodsafety

A growing number of busy Thais, seeking fast and nutritious breakfasts, are wondering if liquid eggs found on supermarket shelves are as healthy as their shell-bound counterparts. Fresh insights from registered dietitians, as detailed in a recent feature by Today.com, clarify the nutritional similarities, health benefits, and trade-offs of choosing between liquid pasteurized eggs and traditional eggs — an important consideration as egg prices and convenience influence shopping decisions in Thailand and globally (Today.com).

Busy Thai households want quick, nutritious mornings. Are liquid, pasteurized eggs as healthy as traditional shell eggs? A recent overview by health professionals clarifies the nutrition, benefits, and trade-offs of liquid eggs versus real eggs, a timely topic as prices and convenience shape Thai grocery choices.

In Thai cuisine, eggs are essential—from kai jeow omelets to khai luak soft-boiled eggs and countless stir-fries. Supermarkets and convenience stores in Bangkok now stock liquid pasteurized eggs beside imported products, offering a time-saving option for office workers and families racing the clock. But does swapping shell eggs for liquid eggs affect nutrition or flavor?

A surge of scientific research in 2024 is intensifying fears that Campylobacter, a bacterium commonly found in undercooked chicken, may be fueling a global epidemic of colon cancer—particularly among younger adults. Newly published findings show that infections caused by this foodborne pathogen not only trigger stomach illness but might also accelerate the onset and spread of deadly colorectal tumors, according to leading researchers. As Thailand grapples with rising cases of both campylobacteriosis and early-onset colon cancer, these revelations could reshape food safety policy and public health strategies nationwide.

A recent BBC investigation has found that many of the most popular baby food pouches on the UK market are worryingly low in key nutrients, raising alarms about their suitability as a major part of infants’ and toddlers’ diets. The revelations come amid increasing global reliance on packaged baby foods, including in urban Thai households, as parents seek convenience during the busy years of early childhood.

Laboratory testing of 18 products from leading brands, such as Ella’s Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl, uncovered a pattern: many pouches were low in critical nutrients like vitamin C and iron, while some contained more sugar than an infant should consume in one day. This investigative report echoes similar concerns previously voiced by nutritionists in Thailand and supports growing evidence from peer-reviewed studies on the nutritional deficits of commercial baby foods (BBC News).

A surge of 2024 research is fuelling concern that Campylobacter, a bacterium commonly found in undercooked chicken, may be linked to a global rise in colon cancer, including among younger adults. Latest findings suggest that infections from this foodborne pathogen could not only cause stomach upset but also influence the initiation and spread of colorectal tumors. For Thailand, where poultry is a dietary staple, these developments may influence national food safety and public health strategies.

Recent findings from a major UK investigation reveal that many popular baby food pouches may not meet optimal nutrition. The study tested 18 pouches from well-known brands and found concerning gaps in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin C, with some products delivering surprisingly high sugar levels. As urban Thai households increasingly rely on convenient, ready-to-eat options, Thai health professionals say similar issues could affect young children here if care isn’t taken.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit has reignited concerns over the safety of artificial sweeteners—specifically erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in countless sugar-free and “diet” products worldwide. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that heighten the risk of stroke and heart attack—an alarming development for consumers and health officials alike as the use of sugar substitutes remains widespread, including in Thailand’s urban and health-conscious communities.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit raises fresh questions about the safety of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free and “diet” products. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, a finding that matters to Thai readers amid widespread use of sugar substitutes in beverages, snacks, and personal care products.

In Thailand, awareness of sugar’s link to obesity and diabetes has driven demand for sugar-free options. Erythritol has been promoted for its low calorie count and minimal impact on blood sugar, making it a common choice for people managing diabetes or reducing sugar intake. The latest findings challenge the assumption that erythritol is risk-free, highlighting the public health relevance for Thai consumers and health authorities alike.

A recent United States outbreak has shown, for the first time, that the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus can move into dairy cattle and spread between cows. Originating from a wildlife spillover in Texas in 2023, the virus circulated across multiple states for months before detection. The finding raises global concerns about pandemic potential and prompts Thailand to consider its biosecurity and dairy operations in light of evolving risks.

In a startling development that has rung alarm bells across the global public health community, scientists have confirmed for the first time that the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, better known as bird flu, has not only crossed into U.S. dairy cattle, but is now capable of cow-to-cow transmission. This unprecedented leap, tracked to a single wildlife spillover event in Texas in 2023, has rapidly escalated into a multi-state outbreak, deepening fears over the virus’s pandemic potential. The implications of this discovery stretch far beyond the borders of the United States, raising difficult questions for countries like Thailand, where livestock and poultry farming are vital to the economy and public health infrastructure is acutely attuned to zoonotic threats.

A new Italian study raises concerns about chicken consumption beyond a weekly limit. Researchers suggest that eating more than 300 grams of chicken per week—about four typical servings—may be associated with a higher risk of death from digestive cancers and from all causes. The findings challenge the view of chicken as a universally healthy alternative to red meat and prompt reflection for Thai readers who rely on chicken in many classic dishes.

A recently published Italian study has sent shockwaves across the health world, revealing that eating more than 300 grams of chicken per week—equivalent to just 19 standard bites, or roughly four typical servings—may significantly increase a person’s risk of dying from gastrointestinal cancers and from any cause. The findings challenge longstanding beliefs about chicken being a superior “health” alternative to red meat, raising important questions for people in Thailand and worldwide who rely on chicken as a dietary staple (source).

The United States will phase out all petroleum-based synthetic food dyes—including those that give Gatorade and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos their iconic colors—by the end of 2026, according to a stunning policy announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While this sweeping change has grabbed global headlines, scientists continue to point out that, so far, there is no clear evidence that these artificial dyes are directly harmful to humans. The move is already stirring debates and questions among Thai consumers and food manufacturers, as many of the same synthetic dyes are widely used in Thailand, particularly in candies, snacks, and beverages beloved by children and adults alike. What does the science really say about these colorful additives? Should Thailand follow America’s lead?

A major U.S. policy shift could reshape the way colors appear in our foods. By the end of 2026, the United States plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. The goal is to retire six of the most-used dyes and eventually end the use of two remaining colors. The announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services has sparked global discussion, including in Thailand, where similar colorants are common in candies, snacks, and drinks.

The recent Make America Healthy Again campaign has ignited fresh debate over the dietary role of seed oils, urging Americans to eliminate these oils for better health—a message now resonating with health-conscious audiences in Thailand. The campaign claims that removing commonly used seed oils, such as soybean, corn, sunflower, canola, and cottonseed oils, from the everyday diet can lead to improved heart health, lower rates of chronic illness, and a return to traditional eating habits—a stance backed by some nutrition advocates but challenged by leading health organizations.

As diet sodas, low-calorie snacks, and “sugar-free” treats line supermarket shelves across Thailand, consumers are turning in increasing numbers to artificial sweeteners in hopes of enjoying sweet flavors without the adverse health effects of sugar. However, a growing wave of scientific research is challenging the widespread belief that artificial sweeteners are a healthier choice, suggesting instead that these calorie-free sugar substitutes may bring their own health risks — including increased appetite, fat accumulation, and potentially heightened risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a recent exposé published by The Independent and corroborated by the latest global studies (The Independent).

A global debate over seed oils is reaching Thai kitchens as health advocates, food producers, and researchers weigh the risks and benefits of common cooking oils. The campaign to reduce certain seed oils—such as soybean, corn, sunflower, canola, and cottonseed oils—has sparked questions about heart health and chronic disease, with supporters arguing for traditional, less processed fats and critics urging balanced, evidence-based guidelines.

The discussion mirrors a worldwide shift in nutrition advice. As Western-style eating patterns seep into Thailand through convenient fast foods and ready meals, medical professionals in Thailand are examining whether Thais should rethink everyday oil choices. The central concern cited by some critics focuses on high omega-6 fatty acids in many seed oils, which they say could promote inflammation and contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Data from Thailand’s public health authorities align with broader concerns about non-communicable diseases in the country.

As Thailand embraces diet sodas, low-calorie snacks, and sugar-free treats, many shoppers look for healthier ways to enjoy sweetness. New science, however, is challenging the assumption that artificial sweeteners are harmless or reliably beneficial. Emerging research suggests these substitutes may carry their own health risks, such as influencing appetite, fat storage, and metabolic health. A recent international examination highlights these concerns and is echoed by ongoing studies around the world.

A recent study has sparked widespread attention after finding a potential link between a common ingredient in cooking oils and an aggressive form of cancer, fueling public concern and debate over everyday dietary habits. The research, first reported by Syracuse.com, suggests that a widely used compound in oils such as soybean, canola, and sunflower oil may play a role in promoting the onset or progression of certain aggressive cancers—a finding that could have major implications for Thai families, given the central role of these oils in local cuisine.

A recent study has sparked dialogue about a common cooking oil ingredient and its potential link to an aggressive cancer form. While the researchers have not called for an immediate ban, the findings highlight the ongoing connection between daily diet and long-term health. For Thai families, where vegetable oils are central to home cooking and street foods, these discussions are highly relevant.

Thailand relies heavily on stir-frying and deep-frying in both home kitchens and bustling markets. As Thai eating patterns shift toward more processed foods and snacks, questions about food safety and health consequences become increasingly important. Cancer remains a leading health concern in Thailand, according to research from the National Cancer Institute of Thailand, underscoring the need to consider dietary factors carefully.

A major international study warns that rising temperatures and higher atmospheric carbon dioxide are increasing arsenic concentrations in rice, Thailand’s everyday staple. The findings, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, suggest that climate change could turn rice into a greater health risk for populations that rely on it for most of their daily calories. This issue resonates across rice-dependent societies, including Thailand, where consumption is deeply tied to culture and livelihood.

A major scientific breakthrough suggests food allergies could be reversed, thanks to a key group of immune cells in the gut. Published in Nature on April 16, 2025, the findings could transform how we prevent, treat, and potentially cure food allergies that affect Thai families and strain the health system. Research by a team led by Dr. Dan Littman at NYU Langone Health identifies tolerogenic dendritic cells in the intestines as critical for teaching the immune system to tolerate food proteins rather than attack them.

A major scientific breakthrough has revealed the potential for food allergies—an increasingly common and sometimes life-threatening health issue in Thailand and around the world—to be reversed, thanks to the discovery of a key group of immune cells in the gut. The findings, published on April 16, 2025 in the prestigious journal Nature, have the potential to transform how we prevent, treat, and perhaps even cure food allergies, which have long plagued Thai families and stressed our healthcare system [source].

Two recent deaths in Hood River County, Oregon, have reignited concern over Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare but devastating brain disorder that continues to puzzle medical experts worldwide. Local health officials announced that the fatalities were confirmed cases of CJD, a condition known for its rapid mental decline, neurological symptoms, and inevitable fatal outcome. News of these cases has caused unease not only among the local community in Oregon, where CJD remains exceedingly uncommon, but also for people in Thailand and globally who follow emerging infectious disease threats closely, particularly those with parallels to previous public health scares like mad cow disease.