LONDON, Oct 17 — The European Union (EU) has issued strict control measures on six Thai vegetables imported by its member countries after some Thai exporters had exported sub-standard produce in which unacceptable chemical residue was found, Thai Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai said.

Mrs Pornthiva, now visiting England in an attempt to expand bilateral trade between England and Thailand, said the EU has imposed strict checks on eggplant, cabbage, string beans and coriander, lemon balm leaf and sweet basil — before they are exported to EU members.

She said the EU also plans to impose a similar measure on six other Thai vegetables in future, which if implemented would affect both Thailand’s vegetable exports and impact the operations of Thai restaurants operating in many European countries.

MCOT