Thai Warning: Imported Edible Foil May Be Hazardous

A popular Thai Facebook page, Drama-addict, has issued a warning about allegedly unsafe gold-coloured foil from China being sold online and in bakery supply shops in Thailand as edible decoration. The alert came after a follower reported that the product, marketed for culinary use, is actually copper-based foil intended for arts and crafts, posing potential health risks if consumed.

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The Drama-addict page stated that the misleadingly labeled foil is readily available on major e-commerce platforms, with some listings showing sales of over 10,000 units. The page's administrator bought samples and pointed out that the unusually low price of about 20 baht per vial suggested the product was not authentic edible gold foil, which is typically priced much higher.

Further examination revealed that the product behaved differently from genuine gold leaf, as it formed clumps when handled and blackened when exposed to a flame, indicating it is likely made from another metal or alloy. The page accused some sellers of falsely marketing the item as "food-grade edible gold."

The report raises concerns about the safety of these products, emphasizing the potential health risks of ingesting unapproved metals. It called on authorities to investigate and intervene to prevent further consumer exposure. The page underscored the urgency by highlighting significant sales volumes, suggesting widespread distribution.

Future actions may involve regulatory agencies inspecting the products and taking measures to ensure consumer safety. The goal is to prevent further risks and hold accountable those responsible for mislabeling the goods.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 22 May 2026