Imported Shine Muscat grapes safe to eat if washed properly: Thai FDA

10 Sept 16:28 Key points summarised by AI

The Thai FDA assures the public that imported Shine Muscat grapes are safe to consume if properly washed, despite a report from Thai-Pan indicating high levels of chemical contamination, stating that detected pesticide levels are within safety limits.
The FDA recommends thoroughly washing grapes by soaking them in a baking soda solution or plain water for 15 minutes, followed by a 30-second rinse under running water, and is intensifying controls and random testing on all imported fruits and vegetables.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Today 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.