Govt rushes to pacify Hong Kong over concern on turmeric-soaked durian

The move comes as the ministries warned Thai exporters and farmers not to use any substances that could affect consumer confidence.

Duangkamol Jiambutr, the Commerce Ministry spokeswoman, said the Thai Trade Office in Hong Kong would inform Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygience Department (FEHD) that turmeric did not harm people’s health so there was no need to ban Thai durian imports.

In a bid to prevent further problems, the ministry will also meet with relevant government agencies and the Thai Fruits Exporters Association to discuss the import fruit regulations for a variety of markets.

A recent media report stated that the FEHD had accused Thai durian farmers and exporters of soaking durians in turmeric, a yellow liquid, and other chemicals to accelerate ripening. 

The FEHD warned them not to use turmeric or any substance to accelerate ripening or Hong Kong would ban durian imports from Thailand.

Duangkamol said the government would stringently control farmers and exporters who used a chemical substance to hasten the ripening of durian not to use more than two parts per million.

“Farmers and exporters have to be aware of this warning to not use any substance that is forbidden by import countries or else it will affect the reputation of Thai fruit and affect the country’s exports,” she said.

The Commerce Ministry also urged farmers and traders to comply with relevant legal requirements, follow the Good Manufacturing Practice and use permitted food additives only in an appropriate manner.

Hong Kong is Thailand’s third largest market for durian exports after China and Vietnam. In the first four months of this year, durian exports to Hong Kong were worth Bt1.21 billion.

 

Largest market for Thai durian

Last year, Hong Kong was the largest market for Thai durian with a market worth of Bt6.56 billion. 

Peeled durian is sold in Hong Kong for a healthy HK$100 per kilogram (Bt435), up from $50 last year.

During the current harvest seasons, the total durian output is expected to reach 639,960 tonnes, of which 338,515 tonnes would come from the East (May-June harvest) and 275,960 tonnes from the South (July-September), with the remaining amount coming from other provinces such as Uttaradit and Si Sa Ket.

Previously, there was a report on the social media application wechat in Shanghai that accused durian farmers of using turmeric and other chemicals, resulting in consumers concerns and forcing the Thai trade office in Shanghai to clarify the situation.

Local farmers use turmeric to better protect durian when shipped.