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January 14, 2025 |The Nation |

Thailand’s Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is tightening quality control on export fruits following Chinese customs' strict checks for Basic Yellow 2 in durians. This carcinogenic substance, linked to cancer risks, caused rejected shipments due to missing lab-test results. Quality inspections will now cover 100% of exports, targeting cadmium, durian worms, and sulphur dioxide in longans.

Officials have been deployed to packing houses in key provinces like Chumphon and Nakhon Si Thammarat to ensure compliance. The ministry plans to implement enhanced quality measures within 10 days to boost consumer confidence. Collaborations with the Department of Internal Trade aim to stabilize durian prices.

Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat announced discussions with China’s customs authorities to affirm Thailand’s commitment to strict quality measures. In 2024, Thailand exported 1.82 million tons of fruits worth 134.95 billion baht, including 824,777 tons of durians. Efforts are underway to expand exports, including longans to the Philippines.

These actions aim to preserve Thailand’s reputation in international markets and ensure the safety and quality of its fruits.

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