The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) noticed the recent media report on "Toxic Thai Durian", accusing durian farm used the yellow liquid to soak the durian as well as chemicals to accelerate the ripening. Yesterday, the Thai Trade Centre Hong Kong responded that the durian involved with the use of Turmeric liquid (yellow in color) was from a farm in Thailand over-looked by Chinese investor who have taken this particular farm products for Chinese market only, not supplied to Hong Kong.

Turmeric is a rhizomatour herbaceous perennial plant. Although Turmeric can be added to processed food, according to the Colouring Matter in Food Regulations, Turmeric should not be added to meat, game, poultry, fish, fruit or vegetable in a raw and unprocessed state. Upon conviction, offenders shall be liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. In response to the above report, CFS has already collected durian samples from market for tests. Result is still pending.

CFS reminded and urged the trade to comply with the legal requirements, follow Good Manufacturing Practice and use permitted food additives only in an appropriate manner.