The European Union’s food safety policy would add to Thai exporters’ costs by requiring them to bring their products up to standard, but they would benefit in the long run, David Byrne, EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, said Monday.
He said that once Thai products were improved, their higher standards would be an advantage in other markets anywhere in the world.
He said Thai exporters need not worry that the Europeans would use safety as an excuse to protect their markets.
“I insist that the EU fully respects its international obligations in relation to trade in food products. While I will not compromise on food safety, I will not allow it to be used for protectionist ends,†said Byrne.
Speaking at a luncheon talk at the Oriental Hotel on food safety and imports, Byrne said that the challenge for Thailand’s food product exporters centered on farming methods.
Byrne also expressed his admiration for Thailand’s quick action in the wake of several food contamination incidents, which he said was in line with the policy to make this year a “Foodsafety Year†for Thailand.
Meanwhile, Kiat Sittheeamorn, chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), said that Thailand’s main problem with EU food export standards was gaining the trust of the EU.
“If we gain mutual recognition from the EU on Thai authorities’ testing of food products before export, it would be easier for Thai exporters to do business with the EU,†said Kiat.
Thailand is a major exporter of tuna products and shrimp to the EU. Last year exports of the products to Europe amounted to Bt50 billion.