Thailand strengthens food safety measures for fruit exports to China

As reported by the Bangkok Post, Thai authorities are strengthening food safety measures for fruits destined for foreign markets. On April 28, a high-level committee met to address obstacles in exporting fruits such as durians, longan, and mangoes to China. The committee agreed to enhance food safety measures to ensure exported fruit was chemical-free. The measure is in response to the tightening of China’s import standards after traces of Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) were found in a shipment of Thai durian. According to the Bangkok Post, the committee also agreed to draft a list of brokers who collect health-safe fruits for exports to China. The list currently includes 307 names and will serve as a guide for Chinese importers to find reliable partners. The committee also urged related agencies to prioritise managing risks associated with fruits hitting the market during the May/June harvest season. These include water management, fruit quality control, and educating farmers about droughts and summer storms, which can have a devastating impact on fruit production.