Thailand Certifies 1,950 Meat Shops With Safety Standard
Thailand has certified 1,950 meat shops through the "Livestock OK" program, which ensures retailers meet food safety standards by sourcing from certified farms and licensed slaughterhouses. The initiative, now in its 11th year, aims to impr
The Department of Livestock and Thai Chamber of Commerce are promoting the "Livestock OK" program, certifying meat retailers meeting food safety standards. Dr. Ajchapun Sangsiriruk, senior veterinary officer at the Department of Livestock, visited a certified example shop at Siam Khoo Sa-ang Market in Samut Prakan Province on July 9. The program, now in its 11th year since 2015, has continuously improved meat production processes from farms through slaughterhouses to retail outlets, ensuring consumers purchase meat from certified GAP farms and legally licensed slaughterhouses.
Previously, many meat retailers operated in unsanitary conditions with waste and pest problems, risking disease contamination and consumer safety. Retailers must now upgrade hygiene standards and source meat from certified producers so consumers can choose quality, standardized products.
The department will increase "Livestock OK" symbol awareness using Google Maps technology to help people locate certified shops. Namtip Pakdisaen, owner of the model shop "Je Kung," said good standards build customer trust, increase sales, and simplify shop management, encouraging other retailers to join.
Win Pinsirothom, senior director of CPF Global Food Solutions Limited (CPFGS), said CPFGS acts as a "coach" helping retailers meet standards by surveying shops, analyzing weaknesses, planning improvements, and providing hygiene and record-keeping training. The goal is expanding model shop networks and creating mentors nationwide.
Pornchai Iamsangwanjit, deputy chair of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's livestock business committee, said certified "Livestock OK" shops are vital to local economies, helping elevate SMEs and boost competitiveness, strengthening grassroots economies. Consumers gain confidence purchasing from certified retailers, retailers upgrade to meet standards and source from certified producers, and farmers and slaughterhouses improve production standards throughout the supply chain. The Thai Chamber promotes the program through provincial networks, publicity, and business matching.
Certified retailers must meet four criteria: meat from GAP-certified farms, processed by licensed slaughterhouses, maintain hygiene standards, and source from certified producers.
