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Thailand tightens durian export screening after China halts imports over contamination concerns

Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is updating its contamination screening for durians destined for China. This development follows a temporary halt in exports imposed by China. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat declared that each durian batch would now be tested for Basic Yellow 2, a carcinogenic dye, in addition to cadmium and durian borers before export. This announcement came after a crucial meeting aimed at addressing the export suspension, with the new screening processes expected to be operational within 10 days.

The Department of Agriculture has issued a warning to business operators about the importance of compliance with these updated guidelines, indicating that non-compliance could result in the revocation of export licenses. Furthermore, Minister Narumon disclosed plans for an official visit to China alongside Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from February 5 to 7. The visit aims to engage with Chinese customs officials and reinforce China's confidence in the safety and quality of Thai products through discussions on enhanced pre-export screening measures.

It was also noted that the volume of Thai fruit exports to China has been on an upward trajectory, with 1.817 million tons of fruit, valued at 5.14 billion USD, exported from January to November of the previous year. The initiative to tighten export protocols comes after the detection of the illegal use of Basic Yellow 2, sourced from China and unregistered with Thailand's Food and Drug Administration, in durian packing plants funded by a Chinese investment group in Chumphon province. Despite orders to cease the use of this substance, subsequent inspections revealed continued non-compliance, prompting the issuance of warning letters.

The ministry was alerted to the rejection of durian exports at Nanning Airport in China on January 11, due to inadequate documentation proving the absence of Basic Yellow 2, as reported by Bangkok Post.

Source:Thaiger

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