Government committee pushes for chemical-free exports amid tighter restrictions from China
The Thai government is making efforts to heighten food safety measures for fruits destined for export markets, according to reporting by the Bangkok Post.
On 28 April a high-level committee developing and managing fruit exports met to address obstacles in exporting durians, longan, and mangoes to China.
Agriculture minister Narumon Pinyosinwat said the committee agreed to heighten food safety measures to ensure exported fruit was chemical-free.
This agreement follows the tightening of China’s import standards after Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) residues were found in a shipment of Thai durian.
The Bangkok Post said the committee also agreed to compile a list of brokers who collect health-safe fruits for export to China. The list, which currently comprises 307 reliable brokers across Thailand, will act as a guide for Chinese importers to find vetted partners.
In addition, the committee urged related agencies to prioritise managing risks associated with fruits hitting the market during the May/June harvest season. These included water management, fruit quality control, lab tests on the fruits, and educating farmers about droughts and summer storms, which can devastate fruit output.
“The ministry will see to it that the fruit quality and safety meet standards,” Narumon said.
