Thai rice: Stringent US checks pose image problem for Thailand

webfact · June 28, 2013

UPDATE:
Doubt Cast On Reports Of 'Stringent' FDA Thai Rice Inspection

BANGKOK: -- Trade office of the Thai government based in Los Angeles has released statement dismissing reports circulated by a number of Thai media agencies that the US food agency is preventing Thai rice exports from passing through American ports due to possible chemical contamination.

Previously, Thai Rath, the best-selling newspaper in Thailand, has devoted its front page to reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered "every port" in the US to urgently quarantine rice grains exported from Thailand.

On the 6th page of the newspaper, Thai Rath quoted an unidentified ′′foreign news agency" saying that the FDA specifically ordered "every container" carrying Thai rice inspected out of fear that the grains processed under Thai government′s rice mortgage scheme contained dangerous level of insecticide chemicals.

The newspapers also included quote from an unnamed "rice exporter" who claimed that the US alert is one of the biggest issues for rice trading in the past 20-30 years as it could affect Thai rice export growth and confidence among consumers.

"The US has never inspected Thai rice in every container. Its measure has affected confidence in Thai rice quality. The Thai government needs to clarify these doubts clearly to the public," the unnamed individual reportedly told Thai Rath.

However, a report on the website of The Nation, the well-known English newspaper based in Bangkok, appears to carry the very same quotes that appeared on Thai Rath. The Nation′s reportincluded both reports from unidentified "foreign news agency" and the unnamed source.

"The US FDA has ordered every port such as in New York and Chicago to confine Thai rice for random inspection. ... The source said that such stringent inspection has created concern among American importers as well as Thai rice exporters. Importers could easily turn to order rice from other rice export countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia," The Nation website reported. The exact same quotes can be found in Thai Rath story on the matter.

Full story: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNM01qUXhNREUzTWc9PQ==

-- KHAOSOD English 2013-06-28

Noistar · June 28, 2013

"However, the stringent measure by the US, one of the major rice importers, could destroy the image of Thai rice."

Is not the converse true? If Thai rice passes stringent measures, it could enhance the image of Thai rice.

Thailand should welcome this opportunity for free massive promotion of the quality of Thai rice by the US government.

Nice idea. If they really dig into this it could really be a problem. The fact is though it has been accepted for years so it will probably pass.
Unless of course, you open the container and it smells mouldy, which is pretty much an instant give away. Whoever loads this stuff is going to do a lot of sniffing before it goes in the container.

Would be nice to think that the first world knows what Thailand is like, and won't be fooled by the gloss. It's one of those 'we haven't found anything bad so everything must be ok' situations.

Presumably any attempt to, how shall we put it, "ensure compliance with US requirements", will do more harm than good.

Thai at Heart · June 28, 2013

UPDATE:

Doubt Cast On Reports Of 'Stringent' FDA Thai Rice Inspection

BANGKOK: -- Trade office of the Thai government based in Los Angeles has released statement dismissing reports circulated by a number of Thai media agencies that the US food agency is preventing Thai rice exports from passing through American ports due to possible chemical contamination.

Previously, Thai Rath, the best-selling newspaper in Thailand, has devoted its front page to reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered "every port" in the US to urgently quarantine rice grains exported from Thailand.

On the 6th page of the newspaper, Thai Rath quoted an unidentified ′′foreign news agency" saying that the FDA specifically ordered "every container" carrying Thai rice inspected out of fear that the grains processed under Thai government′s rice mortgage scheme contained dangerous level of insecticide chemicals.

The newspapers also included quote from an unnamed "rice exporter" who claimed that the US alert is one of the biggest issues for rice trading in the past 20-30 years as it could affect Thai rice export growth and confidence among consumers.

"The US has never inspected Thai rice in every container. Its measure has affected confidence in Thai rice quality. The Thai government needs to clarify these doubts clearly to the public," the unnamed individual reportedly told Thai Rath.

However, a report on the website of The Nation, the well-known English newspaper based in Bangkok, appears to carry the very same quotes that appeared on Thai Rath. The Nation′s reportincluded both reports from unidentified "foreign news agency" and the unnamed source.

"The US FDA has ordered every port such as in New York and Chicago to confine Thai rice for random inspection. ... The source said that such stringent inspection has created concern among American importers as well as Thai rice exporters. Importers could easily turn to order rice from other rice export countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia," The Nation website reported. The exact same quotes can be found in Thai Rath story on the matter.

Full story: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNM01qUXhNREUzTWc9PQ==

-- KHAOSOD English 2013-06-28

I take this to mean cypermethrin used too late before harvest, not fumigation which is a habitual problem in Thai agriculture.

If this is the case, they are screwed.

A test will be done and the results pass or they don't. What a catastrophe. The EU limits for cypermethrin are tighter than the USA. Forget reassuring the Thai population, better start reassuring the USA fda.

This is funny in a way because of the pork issue, about being imported from the USA. You mess with our pork, we mess with your rice.

Quid pro quo.

Edited June 28, 2013 by Thai at Heart

Robby nz · June 28, 2013

I would think this means that they are going to be very careful what the sell to the US.

They would have to be ensuring that what goes into these containers is new seasons rice.

Other countries, I would suspect will also be watching this and will be wanting to be sure they get good stuff as well.

That being the case they still have the problem of what they can do with the old and possibly suspect rice.

bangon04 · June 28, 2013

I predicted that something like this would happen in one of my earlier postings although I mentioned the EU.

I hope for Thailand's sake that they don't find any contaminated rice or mold as this would really hit the Thai rice export market for years to come.

It's only a matter of time until the EU follows suit.

No need to overreact: As the man says:"normally there is hardly any contamination found in Thai rice shipments overseas" so with a resounding reassurance of quality like this from the man, who could worry.

ChrisY1 · June 28, 2013

Below is the US FDA advice on alerts for Thailand...there are 47 here, maybe a little early for rice inspections to be announced.

Most Popular Searches

Import Alerts for a Country/Area

FDA Home
- Import Program
- - Import Alerts
  - - Number of Import Alerts by Country/Area
    - - Import Alerts for a Country/Area

-

THAILAND

DWPE = Detain without physical examination

-

Note: If you need help accessing information in different file formats, see Instructions for Downloading Viewers and Players.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
Ph. 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
Email FDA

rubl · June 28, 2013

Nothing about this to be found yet on the FDA site http://www.fda.gov/default.htm

harryfrompattaya · June 28, 2013

Hmmm... I wonder if this isn't Monsanto trying to get the US to buy rice from friendlier (to Monsanto) nations...

No it is Soros and shorting the Thai Baht just like before.

Leave it to Dear Soros

bigbamboo · June 28, 2013

I would think this means that they are going to be very careful what the sell to the US.

They would have to be ensuring that what goes into these containers is new seasons rice.

Other countries, I would suspect will also be watching this and will be wanting to be sure they get good stuff as well.

That being the case they still have the problem of what they can do with the old and possibly suspect rice.

Not only the US but Europe and possibly every country worldwide. In fact all the 'good stuff' may have to be exported leaving the rotten rice to be sold here in Thailand.

There's a nice thought to contemplate as you sit down to dinner tonight.

Bon appetit!

lomatopo · June 28, 2013

The US FDA has ordered every port such as in New York and Chicago to confine Thai rice for random inspection. If the agency finds Thai rice with problems such as contamination, fungus, mold, or over-fumigation five times, the importer would be ordered to refuse Thai rice from exporters.

Has anyone found anything to back up this claim?

The only FDA alert I could find is this one:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_2.html

dated 5/28/13

Is this what is referenced?

Authority denies US quarantine of Thai rice

Submitted by TNA on Fri, 06/28/2013 - 13:12

The full content of this page is available to premium users only. You can contact us to gain premium access to full texts, high resoluton photos and videos at [email protected]

BANGKOK, June 28 (TNA) - Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikua has denied recent reports that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has ordered all port operators and importers nationwide to quarantine Thai rice for fear of chemical contamination.

http://www.oananews.org/content/news/general/authority-denies-us-quarantine-thai-rice

Before coup rumors, now rice rumors. Gotta love this place.

Edited June 28, 2013 by lomatopo

harryfrompattaya · June 28, 2013

what a hypocrisy at the FDA, they rubber stamped all those GMO's without testing, and now they are "concerned" about some thai rice fumigation? They truly are just another wing of Monsanto

Who is the largest holder of Monsanto you guess it Soros no need to say more

lomatopo · June 28, 2013

Who is the largest holder of Monsanto you guess it Soros no need to say more

Feel free to back this up. So maybe a need to say a bit more.

I think I own MON. (FIDINV)

http://investors.morningstar.com/ownership/shareholders-major.html?t=MON

Edited June 28, 2013 by lomatopo

Thai at Heart · June 28, 2013

Hmmm... I wonder if this isn't Monsanto trying to get the US to buy rice from friendlier (to Monsanto) nations...
No it is Soros and shorting the Thai Baht just like before.
Leave it to Dear Soros

Harry. Pullleeeze.

belg · June 28, 2013

does fresh 2013 rice need fumigation? or they try to keep and sell 5 year old rotten rice ?

good for thailand to shoot themselves in the footh again...

other countries should be very wary to buy any rice from this country... chemical bound, illegaly imported to be used in the scam and sell as premium thai rice, etc...

in the meantime, we expats will have to eat also this rotten rice anywhere soon between now and 5-10 years ?

time to buy private hospital stocks... with all the new cancers popping up real soon

Thai at Heart · June 28, 2013

does fresh 2013 rice need fumigation? or they try to keep and sell 5 year old rotten rice ?

good for thailand to shoot themselves in the footh again...

other countries should be very wary to buy any rice from this country... chemical bound, illegaly imported to be used in the scam and sell as premium thai rice, etc...

in the meantime, we expats will have to eat also this rotten rice anywhere soon between now and 5-10 years ?

time to buy private hospital stocks... with all the new cancers popping up real soon

It should probably be fumigated every 3 to 6 months.

Paddy rice shouldn't be stored within 3km of processed to prevent contamination, and then it should be fumigated just before shipment to insure it is absolutely free of pests.

Noistar · June 28, 2013

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57579062/imported-rice-may-contain-dangerously-high-lead-levels/

PaullyW · June 28, 2013

http://www.establishmentpost.com/lead-contamination-a-blow-to-thailand-rice/

PaullyW · June 28, 2013

http://blogs.wsj.com/searealtime/2013/06/07/thailands-credibility-risks-beating-over-rice-dispute/

MaxLee · June 28, 2013

By the end of several centuries, people in Thailand will eat rotten rice from century inventory years ago,.... And 80% will be severely and lethally sick to their stomachs....

BeforeTigers · June 28, 2013

That, or they could find no contamination, thereby bolstering the reputation of Thai rice by passing the most stringent import inspections around.

I missed the part where they explain why the US has upped it's standards for Thai imports, exclusively.
Assuming it is only Thai rice, and not all rice, which would completely nullify all of the concerns listed here.

smedly · June 28, 2013

so the USA is going to be blamed for the destruction of the Thai Rice Business

It's not our fault we can't sell the rotten rice and the scheme has failed

Dap · June 28, 2013

well and truly shot themselves in the foot.

I think this time they have actually managed a head shot.

One can only hope so.

khaowong1 · June 28, 2013

I can only speak from an American perspective. We don't eat that much rice.. We eat potatoes.. We don't know Thai rice from Vietnam rice. So it say's made in Thailand on the label. Or Thai jasmine rice on the label. Please believe me, we don't know the difference.

Edited June 29, 2013 by metisdead
Font

tingtongfarang · June 28, 2013

For a person who is normaly quite a rice eater two times a day...i completely lost my appetite for it

moe666 · June 28, 2013

This is the least of there problems by becoming the buyer of choice for most Thai rice this government has destroyed the old system of traders buying and selling rice and it will take a long time to get it fixed. Big T has destroyed the Thai rice industry

moe666 · June 28, 2013

I can only speak from an American perspective. We don't eat that much rice.. We eat potatoes.. We don't know Thai rice from Vietnam rice. So it say's made in Thailand on the label. Or Thai jasmine rice on the label. Please believe me, we don't know the difference.

There are a few americans who know I prefer Japanese rice myself

Thai at Heart · June 28, 2013

I can only speak from an American perspective. We don't eat that much rice.. We eat potatoes.. We don't know Thai rice from Vietnam rice. So it say's made in Thailand on the label. Or Thai jasmine rice on the label. Please believe me, we don't know the difference.
There are a few americans who know I prefer Japanese rice myself

Fragrant rice is a bit of an acquired taste to serious rice eaters.

espinoza · June 28, 2013

I wonder if the rice I buy at Tesco is safe ? Tesco sell palm oil, and thats an oil thats not safe for human consume. In many European countries the palm oil is banned. It`s not allowed as human food. In Thailand it`s the most selling cooking oil. Why ? Because it`cheap. Palm oil is only useful as diesel for engines. It harms your body. The Thai government know this, but they don`t CARE about their population. Tesco only want to make money, so they will sell rat-poison as food if they make money. Therefore I think I have to buy my rice from the local farmer, which I know.

yeeowww · June 28, 2013

"However, the stringent measure by the US, one of the major rice importers, could destroy the image of Thai rice."

Is not the converse true? If Thai rice passes stringent measures, it could enhance the image of Thai rice.

Thailand should welcome this opportunity for free massive promotion of the quality of Thai rice by the US government.

You're joking, right? Seriously... Any layman will tell you that by passing inspection, it simply means the rice is acceptable, NOT exceptional! Please explain how merely passing inspection gives it exemplary qualities?

Edited June 28, 2013 by yeeowww

Unkomoncents · June 28, 2013

This is so demonstrative of the Thai problem: this isn't an image problem, it's a public health problem. Thais are fundamentally incapable of recognizing any consideration that goes deeper than image. As a result, they have a HUGE image problem. From my end, if I know a product is Thai, I immediately am suspect of its quality and if a Thai person says anything, I automatically assume they are lying. I remember when the Thai government said it was furious with the US for issuing a terror alert to its citizens in Thailand without going through to Thailand first. It said the terror alert would hurt Thailand's image. Two days later, a bomb went off in central Bangkok, wounding the Iranian who had been carrying it. Of course it came out from the US side that they and the Israelis had been warning the Thai government of a terror attack to be perpetrated by Iranians for months before the alert went out to US citizens.

Certainly this particular government and its predecessors has a history of misrepresenting the truth, starting with the chicken flu and finishing with rice pledging. However, to claim ALL Thais are unable to look beyond image is simply a racist, broadbrush stroke slur of over 60m people, the majority who you have never met.

You're right. I should have said that 98% of Thais are more concerned with their image on any given day than the safety of their own children or my safety or your safety. I'm sure that there are Thais who see beyond "face", but they would be a tiny minority. If I said that birds fly. You'd point out that penguins don't. You'd be right, but I don't think you've helped facilitate any greater understanding of the situation.

Also, governments are a reflection of their people. Do you think if you removed the Saudi Royal family from Saudi Arabia, that suddenly the people would stop enforcing Sharia law? This particular government is simply a microcosm of what is wrong with Thai culture in general. You may disagree with me, and that's great (that we're free to disagree). Nevertheless, my point that Thais struggle to see deeper than "face" can be seen on every street corner, in every restaurant, in every recess and pocket of the country, from the fact that they try to ignore the massive terrorist insurgency in the South of Thailand (I suppose because they think it will just go away by itself or better yet, that if they deny its existence, then their reputations remain intact) to the girlfriends who want to shop in overpriced Bangkok department stores so that they can get receipts to show their friends. I've lived on three continents, in several countries, and Thais are flat out the most superficial people I've ever encountered. Let me ask you a serious question: have you ever had a deep conversation with a Thai person? If so, do you mind my asking what you talked about? If I haven't made my point on this, I'm at a loss.

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