Following Chinese warnings, the Plant Protection Department asked localities and businesses to review export shipments and durian growing area codes. It also dispatched inspection teams to take samples in durian growing areas on the list that China had warned of cadmium contamination.

“After a thorough examination of all relevant samples of soil, water, fertilizers, growth stimulants, and durian treatment chemicals, we found that none of the samples have contained the excessive cadmium content as China had warned,” said Huynh Tan Dat, director of the Plant Protection Department, in a short interview with Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper on May 11.

According to the official, his agency is making a report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. It will plan to hold a meeting with Chinese authorities, alongside a press conference to make public the case.

Earlier, China had warned that 30 Vietnamese durian shipments exported to the mainland exceeded cadmium residues, violating China’s food safety regulations. The news forced authorities, exporters and growers to scramble to trace the origin of the source.

Durian has emerged as one of the major hard currency earners of Vietnam in recent times. Last year alone saw Vietnamese durian shipments to China bring back more than US$2 billion.

Currently, Vietnam has 708 fresh durian growing areas and 168 packaging facilities granted codes. With during export earnings rising considerably, compliance with food hygiene and safety regulations is given top priority.

Statistics show that in the first quarter of this year, Vietnam shipped abroad nearly 57,000 tonnes of fresh durian for US$253 million, up 42% in volume and 63.7% in value compared to the same period last year. The average export price of durian also rose 15.2% year on year to US$4,437 per tonne.

Among the major consumers, China was the largest market, accounting for 90% of the country’s durian export value.