January 20, 2004

EU Commissioner Backs Thai Bird Flu Free Claims

European Union Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection David Byrne yesterday backed Thailand's claims that they were bird flu free, and praised Bangkok's progress in food safety control.

"There absolutely is no evidence of the existence of bird flu in Thailand. I have my own officers working here in Bangkok and they are keeping a very close eye on the bird flu outbreak," said Mr Byrne after a brief meeting with Agriculture Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and his deputy Newin Chidchob.

Mr Byrne also praised Thai authorities for "taking great care and vigilance in problems relating to poultry or other animal diseases."

The EU did not import any poultry products from other countries in Asia affected by the bird flu outbreak.

"So far, Thailand is the only country in this region from which we import poultry and we continue to do so," said Mr Byrne.

Thailand is Asia's largest chicken exporter and a major source of EU poultry imports.

The EU was very concerned about the outbreak because the disease was a problem that had also emerged in the EU, Mr Byrne added.

"Last year, three of our member states, had an outbreak of avian flu and many birds had to be slaughtered. So we maintain great vigilance in Europe as well as in other parts of the world, including Asia, where we are keeping a very careful eye on the matter."

On the issue of food safety, Mr Byrne said: "Bangkok has made very great progress in recent times relating to food safety that will see fluent exports of poultry products and shrimp from Thailand to the EU.

"We appreciate this because it's [food safety system is] not only good for Thailand, but also good for consumers in the EU, who can have access to a variety of food, including good food from Thailand," he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra urged the EU to reach a formal agreement with Bangkok that would result in mutual recognition of food standards, said government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair.

The prime minister's call was made yesterday morning during a one-hour meeting with Mr Byrne, who is on a six-day visit.

"Mr Byrne praised our food standards, so the prime minister proposed that EU officially recognise it by signing a mutual recognition agreement (MRA)," Mr Jakrapob said.

Thailand's proposal for the MRA was made out of concern that EU food standards might pose a trade barrier.

The spokesman said Mr Thaksin assured the EU health commissioner that Thailand was also investing more in food science and technology.

Mr Jakrapob said Mr Byrne also expressed satisfaction with Thailand's shrimp exports, saying "they are up to world standards."

Mr Somsak, meanwhile, urged food importers and exporters to brace themselves for stricter food inspection measures.