EU decision to reduce testing of Thai poultrymeat from 100% to 20% - EU - Food safety : Commissioner David Byrne met the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand to discuss the key role of Thailand in south-east Asia and its role in advocating improved food safety.

During the meeting, the Minister presented the Thai structure in charge of regulating food safety standards, the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodities and Food Standards (ACFS).

Commissioner Byrne recognised the key role of Thailand in south-east Asia and its role in advocating improved food safety. Minister Sora-at Klinpratoom expressed his appreciation for the EU decision in January 2003 to totally lift the restrictions on shrimp and to reduce testing of poultrymeat from 100% to 20%.

Since March 2002, all consignments of shrimps and poultry from Thailand had to be tested for the presence of residues since the presence of nitrofurans had been detected in imported products from the country (see IP/02/436). The control system set up by the Thai authorities has also been monitored by the Commission Delegation in Thailand.

Source: European Commission - 19th September 2003