Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is embarking on an extraordinary venture by sending its chicken into space as part of the Thai Food – Mission to Space program.
In collaboration with Nanoracks LLC, a leading US space innovation provider, and mu Space and Advanced Technology Co., Ltd., a Southeast Asian space technology solutions manufacturer, CP Foods aims to elevate the safety standards of Thai chicken to meet the stringent requirements for space-grade food—among the strictest known to mankind.
The chicken products involved in this project will undergo rigorous certification processes to ensure compliance with rigorous space safety standards, making them suitable for consumption by astronauts.
Achieving this milestone will be a significant accomplishment for CP Foods, as it establishes global recognition and compliance with the demanding Space Food Safety Standards for their chicken. This effort aligns with NASA's uncompromising food safety requirements, instilling a sense of national pride in Thailand for adhering to the highest safety standards worldwide.
In conjunction with this groundbreaking initiative, CP Foods will host a forum entitled "Thai Food - Mission to Space," gathering international experts to discuss the attainment of space-level safety standards for Thai food. The forum will explore the importance of meeting space standards, the innovations transforming the Thai livestock industry, and the future implications for the sector.
Distinguished speakers at the forum include former NASA astronaut Mr. Michael Massimino, former NASA food scientist Miss Vickie Kloeris, as well as esteemed individuals from scientific, medical, and livestock development sectors.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, CEO of CP Foods, emphasised that this groundbreaking initiative underscores the company's unwavering commitment to the safety of its chicken meat, positioning it among the most trusted meat brands worldwide. The pursuit of Space Food Safety Standards is expected to instil great national pride in Thailand.
"At CP Foods, our utmost priority is food safety and quality. Through our collaborations with experts such as NANORACKS LLC and MU Space, we have demonstrated our preparedness to showcase that Thai chicken adheres to space-level safety standards. Our chickens will undergo rigorous safety and quality checks, including meticulous inspections for residues and contaminants in accordance with NASA's requirements," stated CEO Prasit.
Former NASA astronaut Mr. Michael James Massimino emphasised the importance of residue-free and safe food for astronauts, considering its long-term impact on their health. NASA food scientist Miss Vickie Kloeris commended CP Foods for adhering to stringent safety and nutritional standards, ensuring that CP chicken is free from antibiotics, chemical residues, and harmful pathogens.
"The Thai Food Mission to Space is a remarkable initiative. It not only ensures the well-being of astronauts with a diverse and secure diet, but also elevates global food safety standards, benefiting consumers worldwide. Moreover, it contributes to establishing Thai chicken meat as a reputable brand," expressed Michael.
This initiative not only guarantees astronauts access to safe and diverse food options, but it also ensures the safety of food for consumers worldwide, thereby enhancing the international reputation of Thai cuisine," added Michael.
Miss Vickie Kloeris, a food scientist with 34 years of experience working at NASA's laboratory, emphasised that scientists meticulously ensure the food consumed by astronauts meets the highest standards of food safety while providing a balanced supply of vitamins and minerals. The food must be free from contamination and undergo thorough disinfection. "I am extremely impressed with the standard of chicken meat production at CP Foods. The chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics and hormones, ensuring that Thai chicken meets NASA's food safety standards. It is truly a delight for astronauts to experience the Thai chicken menu from Thailand," remarked Vickie enthusiastically.
