Export barriers
The story started in early January 2025, after discovering that imported durian contained Basic Yelow 2 and Cadmium residues, the Chinese side announced a ban on importing durian and tightened control measures.
Talking to Lao Dong, Master Nguyen Phuoc Tuyen - former Director of the Agricultural Extension Center of Dong Thap province - said that immediately after learning this information, Chinese consumers reacted strongly because they had to spend a large amount of money to buy durian that contained 2 toxic chemicals.
According to Mr. Tuyen, Yellow 2 (also known as auramine O, common name is Gold O) is a dye used in many different industries. However, because this is a substance that can cause cancer and affect liver and kidney function, it is strictly prohibited from being used in food or consumer products.
This chemical is used by gardeners and processing plants for the purpose of dyeing to create a unique durian peel to add beautiful yellow, said Master Tuyen. This is considered a deception of consumers. Because it not only helps to hide traces and unsightly colors on durian peels, but also increases the attractiveness to consumers from the outside. Especially consumers in the Chinese market prefer yellow fruit peels over green fruits.
Meanwhile, according to Mr. Tuyen, the inspection results from China show that the Cadmium remainder in imported durian exceeds the permitted threshold very high. However, unlike Gold O that appears after only one dyeing, the existence of Cadmium is the result of a long-term farming process. Many research projects have confirmed that Cadmium is caused by sour soil after a period of farming, fertilizing acidic biochemical fertilizers such as ammonium sulphat, potassium sulphat, super elephant... In addition, it is also due to rainwater washing away alkaline ions in the soil, Mr. Tuyen shared. Along with lead and mercury, this is one of three metals considered dangerous to the human body.
Resolutely action is needed
In the list of countries that China has imposed import bans or increased the application of strict inspection measures for durian, in addition to Vietnam, there is also Thailand. In other words, both of the top two durian exporters to China have made mistakes. However, in reality, almost only every Vietnam is affected for a long time.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the export value of the vegetable and fruit industry in the first 2 months of 2025 decreased by nearly half compared to the same period last year because the country tightened control of the remaining balance of some chemicals in imported fruits from all countries, including durian - Vietnam's main export product.
Accordingly, all durian imported into China must have the results of Cadimi and O-Gold waste analysis. This certification must be done at laboratories recognized by this country. This has caused Vietnam's durian exports in the first 2 months of the year to decrease by about 80% compared to the same period last year. This also means that durian growers will suffer losses, because the largest market share of durian is for export. Meanwhile, this impact on Thailand is only temporary.
On January 10, China announced a ban on importing durian, but by January 20, Thai durian exports to China had returned to normal. The key to success here is that they take drastic action immediately, Master Tuyen emphasized.
Mr. Tuyen said that on the day of receiving the notice from China, the Thai Government mobilized the entire system of relevant agencies to "catch the disease" and proposed 3 "special treatment" regimens. First, establish 8 rapid testing rooms for O and Cadmium dye residues in durian growing areas with a capacity of 2,000 samples/day, with a time to return the results of 2 days. In which, Chinese experts are invited to witness and supervise. Second, launch a Big Cleaning campaign for durian gardens and processing plants. Third is to strengthen communication measures, focusing on implementing a campaign to "detoxify" bad public opinion about durian for Chinese consumers.
According to Master Tuyen, this reality will be the foundation for Vietnam to be able to apply and shorten the recovery solution if right now the responsible units, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, boldly take action with scientific, synchronous and drastic policies. Reversal
