Safety-first approach ensures export quality

Thailand's dominance in the durian market is not without risk. Since January, the General Administration of Customs of China has mandated that all durian shipments from exporting countries be accompanied by a laboratory report confirming the absence of Basic Yellow 2, or BY2 — a compound commonly used in dyeing textiles, paper, leather and paint.

The measure was introduced after a Chinese market regulatory agency found traces of BY2 in Thai durian, which had been used to make the fruit more appealing to consumers, raising concerns over food safety. The World Health Organization has classified BY2 as a carcinogen, and China's health authority banned it as an inedible substance in 2008.

"Following the detection of BY2 by Chinese authorities, Thai authorities moved quickly to implement solutions. Efforts include registering additional laboratories, reviewing existing lab facilities, and arranging adequate staff to support export operations," said Ukrit Wongthongsalee, chairman of the Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce.