Following reports of cadmium contamination in durians exported to China, Thailand has initiated an investigation. The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) raised concerns over cadmium levels in durian shipments, leading to a temporary halt of exports from specific Thai companies, packing houses, and GAP-certified orchards. In response, the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has tasked the Department of Agriculture with collecting and testing samples of durians, soil, water, and production inputs. Initial findings indicate cadmium levels are within China's accepted threshold of 0.05 mg/kg.
Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated, "The initial investigations suggested the contaminated fruits were not from southern Thailand, where durians were currently in season." The source of the cadmium contamination is believed to be a third country. Despite the issue, Thai officials confirmed that China has not banned durian imports from Thailand, allowing exports to proceed as usual.
To mitigate the risk of contamination and illegal imports, Thai authorities are enhancing measures against the smuggling of durians from neighboring countries. This is crucial for Thailand to preserve its standing and market share in China, a significant market for its durian exports. Leading Thai exporters, such as Platinum Fruit, have instituted comprehensive testing protocols to ensure product safety and quality, including pre-season and ongoing inspections, as well as random sampling prior to export. These measures are aimed at maintaining consumer confidence in the safety and quality of Thai durians across all export markets, not just China.
Source: The Star