Introducing NFI

History
     The National Food Institute (NFI) was inaugurated on October 15, 1996 following approval of cabinet resolution of its establishment.  Through  the Ministerial order issued in November 28, 1996 by the Ministry of Industry (Order No. 440/1996), NFI became one of its independent organizations to promote and facilitate development in Thailand’s  food industrial sector .

Vision
     The National Food Institute aspires to become a leading organization in food safety within the year 2009 and to gain both local and international recognition. NFI also aspires to become a  world class service provider to enhance development in the food industry and to close the existing gap between the private and the government sectors .

Mission
     To provide a wealth of knowledge by tapping its technical expertise and conducting policy research that could not only promote industrial competitiveness but also help food industry cope with  the ever-increasing demands of the world markets. ”

Law

Department of Research and Intelligence
     This department serves as a knowledge center that  collects, manages, synthesizes, analyzes, and disseminates food industry relevant  information to the public as well as to the various interest groups that promote food research and development and enhance competitiveness in the food sector.  Its database collections include food related statistics, trade rules and regulations, research , technology, and market updates. Information is normally disseminated in the NFI website.  Interest group users include innovative research, food production, food  manufacturing/processing, food regulatory and food marketing groups

Department of Laboratory Services
     This department provides a wide range of analytical services to cater to the needs of the industry. With its highly skilled and competent staff, the Department renders tests for chemical contaminants such as pesticide and veterinary drug residues, hazardous food microorganisms, GMOs and others to ensure that Thai food products comply with the standard or market’s specification.  In addition to testing, the department also offers calibration services of laboratory thermometers, thermal chamber, and volumetric glasswares.
     The department also cooperates with other local and international scientific laboratories for inter-laboratory test comparison and proficiency testing.  Having such a network has been quite beneficial particularly when Thai exports face non-compliance problems in the other countries.
     The NFI laboratory is an ISO/IEC17025 certified laboratory by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, Ministry of Industry. It is also accredited by the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health and is an approved laboratory to issue a Certificate of Analysis.  Its Certificate of Analysis is recognized in 19 countries including USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, Brunei, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Department of Technological Services
     This Department provides consultancy and training services in the area of food safety and Quality Management System. Its major aim is to sensitize all food processors  on the importance of food quality and safety and of convincing them to put quality system in place to not only gain the trust and confidence of the consumers but also to make them competitive in business.

Department of Administration
     The  Department  of  Administrative and Support engages in the general administrative works that include human resource development, administrative support, supplies and procurement assistance, and financial and accounting support.

Department of Business Development
     The Department of Business Development is responsible for setting up the marketing Development is responsible for setting up the marketing development and public relations strategies and for improving, developing, and creating a wide range of services for the National Food Institute. The department also coordinates with the other service units, to communicate the marketing massage to the target group. As part of the marketing and public relations. The department maintains and developes the NFI information technology system and also engages in international relations and corporate social relation (CSR.)

Office of Strategy and Management
     The Office of Strategy and Management plans and manages the institute’s annual budget and evaluates its achievements. It serves as the central coordinating unit responsible for ensuring the communication, implementation and evaluation of the institute’s strategies. It has also the responsibility of ensuring that all NFI activities are in line with the strategies and of allocating funding accordingly.  It is also tasked to make a periodic review of the strategies’ relevance to the current situation and to propose changes when necessary.
     Under its Special Project Section, the Office is also responsible for managing special projects such as the royal projects and other international cooperation project which may require a multi-disciplinary cooperation from different department.
     Its Administrative Support Section has the responsibility of providing secretarial assistance, legal assistance , and other assistance that may required by any working group or committee of the institute. It also facilitates and coordinates internal cooperation to ensure that all plans and missions are accomplished cost productively/effectively.