PUBLISHED: 6 Sep 2024 at 05: 26
In response to reports that contaminated produce, largely from China, was being dumped into the Thai market, the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) will implement the Hold, Test, Release ( HTR ) measure to improve the effectiveness of screening imported fruit and vegetables starting next year.
Lertchai Lertvut, FDA assistant secretary-general, said that the FDA may expose the determine to expedite the process of verifying the quality and safety of imported make. If the product fails the check, an instant import restrictions will be put in place.
Results will be released within 24 hours after strange examples of imported fruit and vegetables are collected and subjected to laboratory tests. Effective logistics are necessary for the screening process to ensure that the finished product arrives at the test as quickly as possible and in perfect condition.
Mr. Lertchai added that discussions with trading partners are essential for enhancing business operations by ensuring that they can be conducted quickly and conveniently while buyers receive safe-to-eat make.
A sales restrictions may be put in place on the imported develop in question if the laboratory tests reveal contaminants with dangerous substances or herbicides.
Any produce suspected of leakage or poor quality will be pulled apart for evaluation once the HTR determine is implemented next year. It will only be made available for purchase if it passes the test.
Most polluted fruits and vegetables, in the opinion of Mr. Lertchai, contain harmful pesticides and other harmful elements.
The screen will take place at gates, with designated laboratories performing the tests.
Additionally, Mr. Lertchai mentioned that the FDA intends to expand these steps in the future to include both food and drugs.