Core Viewpoint - The harvesting season for Shixia longan in Gaozhou, Guangdong has begun, marking the start of the longan season in the region, with expectations for increased output in the coming weeks [4][5][6]. Group 1: Harvesting and Production - Gaozhou's Shixia longan orchards have started harvesting, with increasing shipment volumes expected to peak after July 20 [4][5]. - Shixia longan is a major variety cultivated in Guangdong, known for its thin skin, sweet taste, and early maturity, leading to its harvest preceding other regions in Guangdong [6][7]. - The planting area for Shixia longan in Hengtang Town accounts for 70% of the total area, with significant production levels [10]. Group 2: Yield Expectations - Despite a delay in the overall maturity period of longan this year compared to previous years, it is still expected to be a bumper harvest year, with production projected to exceed 350,000 tons by 2025 [16][24][26]. - The yield of Shixia longan and Chuliang longan is anticipated to be higher than last year, with one farmer estimating an increase from 30,000 pounds to at least 38,000 pounds this year [24][26][27]. Group 3: Processing and Market Activity - As the longan shipment volume increases, processing activities are also ramping up, with daily production of longan meat already in the thousands of pounds [28][30]. - The processing town of Fenjie has 63 specialized villages for longan processing, with peak trading volumes reaching 800 tons of fresh fruit daily and annual trading volumes exceeding 100,000 tons [31][32].

Core Viewpoint - The National Pharmacopoeia Commission has published 11 draft standards for the processing of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction pieces, addressing quality issues that have arisen this year due to frequent non-compliance in drug inspections [1][2]. Group 1: Draft Standards for TCM Decoction Pieces - The 11 draft standards cover various TCM decoction pieces including Banbianlian, Zisuye, Beishashen, Guanghuoxiang, Yimucao, Gaoliangjiang, Shudihuang, Shichangpu, Jingjie, Qicaotan, and Qicaoshan, specifying guidelines for processing, characteristics, and storage [2]. - For example, the processing standard for Banbianlian includes removing impurities, washing, cutting, drying, and sieving, while its characteristics and storage requirements are also detailed [2]. Group 2: Quality Inspection Reports - Multiple regions have reported non-compliance in TCM decoction pieces during drug quality inspections, with notable failures in Shanxi Province where 6 batches of decoction pieces were found non-compliant, involving well-known companies [3]. - In Jiangxi Province, 18 products were reported as non-compliant, including 11 batches of TCM materials and decoction pieces, with issues related to characteristics, identification, and microbial limits [4]. Group 3: Regulatory Actions and Expert Insights - Regulatory bodies are intensifying scrutiny on TCM decoction pieces, as evidenced by significant fines imposed on companies for producing substandard products, such as Anhui Baicui Jinfang Pharmaceutical Co., which faced penalties totaling 3.11 million yuan [4]. - Experts attribute the prevalence of substandard TCM decoction pieces to various factors, including the complexity of sourcing raw materials, lack of professional knowledge among suppliers, and the challenges of standardizing production practices [5][6].

Group 1 - The event focused on the theme of "Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Health Promotion" with a specific emphasis on dietary practices in TCM [1] - Special dietary considerations for children, pregnant women, and the elderly were highlighted, emphasizing the need for tailored nutritional approaches [1][2] - For children, TCM practitioners recommend using ingredients like five-fingered peach and astragalus to enhance lung health and alleviate symptoms like asthma and nasal inflammation [1] Group 2 - Pregnant women are advised to consume medicinal dishes made from ingredients such as codonopsis and longan to replenish qi and blood, addressing common issues like fatigue and cold sensitivity [2] - Postpartum women are encouraged to use herbs like motherwort and angelica to aid recovery and promote blood circulation during the confinement period [2] - Elderly individuals are recommended to consume dishes made from ingredients like codonopsis and water chestnut to strengthen the spleen and kidneys, while also considering the prevention of excessive heat and digestive issues [2]