Thailand: Thai FDA asks nitrite salt to be coloured pink

On 8 August 2026 the Thai Food and Drug Administration announced an immediate voluntary measure for salt mixed with nitrite. Producers and importers of the food additive are asked to add food colour so the product is pink, and to print a red warning that the product must be used at the amount on the label because exceeding that amount may be harmful. The warning text should be in solid red letters.

The agency said nitrite salt is a white powder or crystal that is easy to confuse with table salt, and that misuse in food shops had been found. The pink colour is also intended to match the pink-red colour nitrite produces in meat. Thai FDA described the request as an urgent step while it drafts a Ministry of Public Health notification and an FDA notification that would make the colour and warning a legal requirement. It is also preparing training for food preparers.

Source: Thai FDA, 8 August 2026.