Thai Durians Assured to be Free from Chemical Residues
Government anticipates B10 billion in export sales this year amid quality control measures.
The Thai government has formally assured the global market that its durians are entirely free from chemical residues, with particular attention to the carcinogenic dye known as Basic Yellow 2 (BY2).
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced plans to export 950,000 tonnes of Thai durians to major markets, including China, the United States, Europe, and India, this year.
Concerns about chemical usage have previously impacted consumer confidence in Thai durians, particularly after issues arose last year regarding cadmium contamination.
This year, additional apprehensions have been raised concerning the presence of BY2 dye.
In light of these concerns, the Commerce Ministry has put forth a comprehensive 2025 fruit management strategy, which includes seven critical measures focused on enhancing quality control and preventing chemical contamination, especially regarding BY2 residues.
To support these initiatives, officials in Chanthaburi province, a key production area for durians, have implemented strict sanitation and inspection protocols to ensure that exported durians are free from any residues.
Minister Pichai recently engaged with Chanthaburi's governor, Monsit Paisarntanawat, and other relevant agencies to discuss enhancing collaborative efforts with the Chinese Embassy for conducting on-site inspections in the province.
This move aims to rebuild trust among global consumers.
Furthermore, discussions with Wu Zhiwu, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the need for Thailand’s rigorous inspection processes prior to export, while also advocating for a more streamlined approach to import checks by China, suggesting that random inspections could replace full-scale checks to minimize delays and potential spoilage of shipments.
Reports indicate that China has started to relax its import inspections on Thai durians, with no contamination issues noted over the past month.
To further strengthen bilateral cooperation, Minister Pichai has extended an invitation to Chinese officials, including Mr. Zhiwu, to visit Chanthaburi for direct verification of Thai durian quality.
Predictions indicate a 37% increase in durian production, expected to reach 1.76 million tonnes by May, prompting the Commerce Ministry to closely monitor evolving export data.
The strategic initiatives also encompass plans for expanding Thai fruit exports to additional markets in the United States, the European Union, and India, with a target of at least 950,000 tonnes valued at over 10 billion baht.
Additionally, the upcoming visit of India’s prime minister in April will address prospects for boosting Thai fruit exports to India.
Efforts are also underway to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Thai durians.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced plans to export 950,000 tonnes of Thai durians to major markets, including China, the United States, Europe, and India, this year.
Concerns about chemical usage have previously impacted consumer confidence in Thai durians, particularly after issues arose last year regarding cadmium contamination.
This year, additional apprehensions have been raised concerning the presence of BY2 dye.
In light of these concerns, the Commerce Ministry has put forth a comprehensive 2025 fruit management strategy, which includes seven critical measures focused on enhancing quality control and preventing chemical contamination, especially regarding BY2 residues.
To support these initiatives, officials in Chanthaburi province, a key production area for durians, have implemented strict sanitation and inspection protocols to ensure that exported durians are free from any residues.
Minister Pichai recently engaged with Chanthaburi's governor, Monsit Paisarntanawat, and other relevant agencies to discuss enhancing collaborative efforts with the Chinese Embassy for conducting on-site inspections in the province.
This move aims to rebuild trust among global consumers.
Furthermore, discussions with Wu Zhiwu, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the need for Thailand’s rigorous inspection processes prior to export, while also advocating for a more streamlined approach to import checks by China, suggesting that random inspections could replace full-scale checks to minimize delays and potential spoilage of shipments.
Reports indicate that China has started to relax its import inspections on Thai durians, with no contamination issues noted over the past month.
To further strengthen bilateral cooperation, Minister Pichai has extended an invitation to Chinese officials, including Mr. Zhiwu, to visit Chanthaburi for direct verification of Thai durian quality.
Predictions indicate a 37% increase in durian production, expected to reach 1.76 million tonnes by May, prompting the Commerce Ministry to closely monitor evolving export data.
The strategic initiatives also encompass plans for expanding Thai fruit exports to additional markets in the United States, the European Union, and India, with a target of at least 950,000 tonnes valued at over 10 billion baht.
Additionally, the upcoming visit of India’s prime minister in April will address prospects for boosting Thai fruit exports to India.
Efforts are also underway to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Thai durians.
