FDA increases inspection of imported fruits and vegetables 10 times, aims to collect 5,000 samples from 500 samples

28 October 2024 – Dr. Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration. The media was told that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict measures to monitor the safety of fruits and vegetables. Especially high risk groups It will be quarantined from being imported until it is proven safe. Complying with the standards set by law.

As soon as it is allowed to import fruits and vegetables for sale within the country, the FDA has measures to monitor them continuously. By collecting samples at the point of sale. Sorting and packing plants for fruit and vegetables sent for analysis at the Department of Medical Sciences According to the relevant announcements of the Ministry of Public Health every year. Including working with Regional Public Health Offices across the country to track and monitor vegetables and fruits that may contain agricultural pesticide residues at retail and production centers, fruit sorting and vegetables and packing plants across the country.

From the fruit and vegetable analysis results in 2024, 506 samples were collected and sent to the laboratory at the Food and Drug Administration, 329 samples passed the standard, 177 samples failed the standard, accounting for 35 percent.
When pesticide residues are found in non-compliant fruit and vegetables. All criminals will be prosecuted.
To import food for sale that does not comply with the standards of Section 25 (3), you must pay a fine not exceeding 50,000 baht and deal with the product by destroying it or returning it to the country of origin, there is also a study using an initial test package of more than 10,000 samples.

The Secretary-General of the FDA said that this year the FDA will update measures to monitor and monitor the importation of fruits and vegetables in 2025 by increasing the types of pesticides that are being investigated. For example, the Department of Medical Sciences has collected more pesticide test data. Therefore, it is a preparation to develop the list of pesticides that will be analyzed in order to increase the effectiveness of monitoring the safety of fruits and vegetables. And increase the number of samples sent for laboratory analysis starting in fiscal year 2024. About 500 samples of fruits and vegetables will be collected for analysis, which will increase to 5,000 samples, or a 10-fold increase, however, fruits and vegetables should be washed before each consumption