Thai durians to return to Chinese markets by Lunar New Year

Thailand is preparing to restart durian exports to China, with rapid testing for the coloring additive Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) nearing completion, according to Deputy Agriculture Minister Itthi Sirilatthayakorn.

The Department of Agriculture and partnered laboratories are finalizing procedures to detect BY2, a potentially carcinogenic substance, ensuring that Thai durians meet safety standards.

According to Itthi, laboratories are expected to begin inspecting durians destined for China by today, January 20, paving the way for shipments to resume, pending approval. This effort supports the goal of delivering Thai durians to Chinese consumers in time for Lunar New Year celebrations.

To further ensure safety, Itthi emphasized that durians rejected by Chinese authorities would not be reintroduced into the Thai market. The crackdown on BY2 began last September when the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives discovered the illegal use of the additive, imported from China but not registered with the Thai Food and Drug Administration. Despite initial enforcement, later inspections revealed that some durian packing facilities, backed by Chinese investments in Chumphon, continued to use BY2, prompting further warnings from authorities.

Challenges with documentation verifying the absence of BY2 led to previous shipment delays at Nanning airport in China, highlighting the importance of strict compliance. Thai durians, highly valued in China for their superior quality, generated export revenues of 90 billion baht in 2023, an 82% increase from the previous year, with China accounting for 70% of total exports.

The resumption of exports is critical to sustaining Thailand’s strong trade relationship with China in the durian market, ensuring that this lucrative sector continues to thrive while maintaining safety and quality standards.

source: bangkokpost.com

photo: guide.michelin.com