Bangkok: Mr. Napintorn Srisanpang, Deputy Minister of Commerce, has announced an inspection mandate for durian packaging boxes in Chanthaburi Province after China reported the discovery of BY2, a prohibited chemical, in exported durians. This discovery has raised significant safety concerns and impacted consumer trust in the Chinese market.
According to Thai News Agency, the issue was compounded last week when an entrepreneur reported the presence of BY2 in the cardboard boxes used for packing durians for export. This marks a new challenge, as BY2 was previously not detected in packaging materials despite ongoing efforts by exporters to implement thorough cleaning measures.
Mr. Napinthon has coordinated with Mr. Montisit Paisanthanawat, the governor of Chanthaburi province, directing Mr. Jirawut Suwanna-at, the Commerce Minister of Chanthaburi, to gather samples from durian packing facilities to test for BY2 contamination. The aim is to trace the source of the contaminated packaging boxes.
The presence of BY2 in packaging poses a threat as it can directly contaminate the fruit, potentially causing shipments to fail safety inspections in importing countries. This could lead to import suspensions and tarnish the reputation of Thai durian in the global marketplace.
In response to the urgency of the situation, Mr. Napinthon has urged the Governor of Chanthaburi Province to collaborate with the Thai Corrugated Paper Packaging Association to supply BY2-free packaging options for durian exporters promptly.
The Ministry of Commerce is committed to addressing the marketing and export issues faced by the durian industry. The Deputy Minister emphasized the ministry's understanding of the challenges confronting farmers and exporters and assured prompt action to ensure the smooth export of Thai durian.
This initiative is crucial for preserving the lucrative Thai durian export market, which is a vital income source for farmers across the country, particularly in the eastern region.
