Bangkok: The Department of Livestock Development in Thailand is working diligently to address concerns raised by Chinese customs officials regarding the alleged fraudulent use of chicken feet certification. The department is confident in its ability to clarify the situation and expedite an investigation into the misrepresentation of origin and false declarations in the export of chicken feet. Director-General Dr. Somchuan Ratanamangklanon emphasized that any officials or businesses found involved in wrongdoing will face decisive legal action. He assured that Thailand's poultry production and export regulatory system meets international standards and is trusted by 52 trading partners worldwide.
According to Thai News Agency, the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) has requested clarification from Thailand on the export volume of chicken feet from some Thai factories, which may have exceeded production capacity. The Department of Livestock Development has already submitted partial clarifications and is prepared to provide additional information if needed. Dr. Somchuan highlighted that the concerns are specific and do not reflect a problem with the entire poultry production and export system in Thailand. The majority of poultry exports to China are by-products like chicken feet, which generate significantly higher added value when exported compared to domestic sales.
While clarifications are being made to Chinese customs, both countries are actively discussing and exchanging information on poultry trade. China has expressed interest in opening its market for chicken exports from Thailand, which the Department of Livestock Development will evaluate based on scientific principles and food safety standards.
The Department of Livestock Development employs a comprehensive oversight system throughout the production chain, from farm registration to veterinary inspections and the issuance of animal health certificates. This ensures accurate traceability of product origin and production quantities. The department is investigating the discrepancy identified by Chinese customs to determine if it results from certification system deficiencies or other issues outside their oversight.
Veterinarian Somchuan noted that the smuggling of chicken feet from other countries to falsely claim them as Thai products is a long-standing issue. Such activities have affected the credibility of Thai poultry exports, with past instances of false declarations involving goods misrepresented as other products. The Director-General stressed that any forgery of export documents or involvement of officials or businesses will lead to strict legal action. If the certification system is found to be correct, evidence will be presented to Chinese customs to maintain confidence in Thailand's export system.
Currently, Thailand can export chicken feet to China at about 50% of the previous volume. The Department of Livestock Development is collaborating with various agencies, including the Thai Chicken Exporters Association and the National Agricultural and Food Standards Office, to gather information and clarify the concerns raised by Chinese customs, aiming to resolve the misunderstanding and normalize the situation.
The issue gained prominence after Mr. Narongdej Ularakul, an MP from the People's Party, raised concerns during a budget meeting, suspecting smuggling and false claims of Thai origin. The Department of Livestock Development has pledged to thoroughly investigate these suspicions and take necessary legal actions.