BANGKOK, Jan 29 (TNA) – A senior Thai official has
shrugged off a rumour suggesting Thai exporters mix Thai Jasmine Rice with
Vietnamese aromatic rice strain for exporting.
Citing strict quality and authenticity controls, Foreign
Trade Department Director-General Adul Chotinisakorn said that the speculation
was groundless because Thailand had exercised high standards for rice exports
with such measures as DNA sample tests.
If rice adulteration was detected, the products would be
barred from exporting, he said.
Adul assured the public of quality control procedure to
protect reputation of the premium rice product.
Exporters of Thai Jasmine Rice, also known as Hom Mali Rice,
are required to obtain product certification from the Department who will
conduct quality and authenticity test.
Once the process is complete, they need to present a certificate for
customs clearance before shipping.
These products are labeled with the Department’s “ear of
rice” trademark recognised in 48 countries, said Adul.
Thailand exported 11 million tonnes of rice in the past
year. Of the total, 1.6 million tonnes were the fragrant Jasmine rice. (TNA)
