Thai FDA clears 6.9-tonne Shine Muscat grapes for safety

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the results of a recent inspection of a new batch of imported Shine Muscat grapes weighing 6.9 tonnes. These grapes, valued at 3,053,616.47 baht (US$89,780), have been thoroughly tested for agricultural chemical residues and have met all safety standards, allowing them to be distributed in the country.

Lertchai, the Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, emphasised the agency’s commitment to stringent monitoring and quality control practices to ensure consumer safety. The FDA is vigilant in its surveillance of both domestic and international produce, ensuring that consumers receive high-quality and safe food.

For imported fruits and vegetables, the FDA employs rigorous inspection measures, including a hold-test-release process. This involves collecting samples for laboratory analysis, which must be completed within 24 hours. If any harmful residues are detected beyond safety thresholds, the importation is immediately halted, and legal proceedings are initiated, Lertchai said.

“We urge cooperation to prevent the importation of substandard goods. Importers must ensure that the fruits and vegetables they bring into the country come from sources that comply with Thai regulations. We will also engage in discussions with embassies of trading partner countries to enhance the safety of imported goods.”

To protect consumers more effectively, the FDA plans to increase the frequency of random sampling of imported fruits and vegetables. This will involve sending more samples to laboratories for pesticide residue testing, thereby enhancing consumer safety.

The Deputy Secretary-General advised consumers on the importance of cleaning fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption. There are several recommended methods to ensure safety. One method is rinsing with plain water by soaking the produce for 15 minutes, then gently rubbing under running water for at least 30 seconds.

Another method involves using sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. Mix one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate with four litres of water, soak the produce for 15 minutes, and then rinse with clean water, reported KhaoSod.

Alternatively, a saline solution can be used by mixing one tablespoon of salt with two litres of water, soaking the produce for 15 minutes, and then rinsing with clean water. These practices help in safely consuming fruits and vegetables.