Food with enhanced health benefits has gained global popularity, surpassing traditional food science and nutrition. This trend influences consumer behavior, health, longevity, and food systems. However, it strains value chains, from traditional production to scientifically advanced foods, including regulatory processes. Functional Food is expected to be safe and support wellness, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyles. In Asia, functional food development has grown competitive, driven by accelerated academic R&D. Yet, regulatory challenges hinder product health claim approval. This presentation shares a policy study and proposes systemic infra-structure and capacity building needs for intervention. Examples of Thailand’s Food with Function Claims (FFC) and other concepts will be discussed.
Pavinee Chinachoti (2026) studied this question.