Bangkok: The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided a canned fish factory, seizing 12,000 cans for testing. If the contents don't match the description, the factory will face legal action.
According to Thai News Agency, the FDA has coordinated with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office to investigate a suspected canned fish factory where mackerel was found to be substituted for other types of fish. Samples have been collected for verification of the fish species. The FDA emphasizes that even though the company has compensated the person who posted the complaint, the unauthorized change of fish type constitutes a criminal offense under the Food Act and is not subject to compromise.
Pharmacist Supatra Boonsearm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), revealed that regarding a video clip from Facebook user "Tao Somchai Ngai" which raised concerns about the canned fish he purchased, which did not match the label stating it was mackerel, although the poster has since deleted the clip due to compensation from the company and a product recall, the FDA, as the regulatory body, must conduct a thorough investigation to protect consumers and maintain the quality, standards, and safety of food in the country. Therefore, the FDA coordinated with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office to inspect a company in Kalong Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province, which is the production site of the canned fish in question. The inspection revealed that the production facility did not meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and that finished products contained a different type of fish, as reported in the news. Officials have therefore ordered the compan y to recall all products from the market and seized the brand in question and other brands found to be affected, totaling 12,760 cans at the production site and 250 cans at the point of sale. Furthermore, the FDA is coordinating with the Department of Fisheries to confirm the species of fish used.
The Secretary-General of the FDA emphasized that substituting mackerel for other types of fish, as permitted, and misleading consumers into believing the canned fish is made from mackerel, is considered consumer deception even if the fish is safe to eat. This is a violation of the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) for producing counterfeit food, punishable by imprisonment from 6 months to 10 years and a fine from 5,000 to 100,000 baht, and for misleading consumers with incorrect labeling, punishable by a fine not exceeding 30,000 baht. The FDA warns all manufacturers to conduct their business ethically. Such actions not only deceive consumers but also undermine public trust in the Thai food industry. If violations are detected, the FDA will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
Canned mackerel has very fine flakes, almost smooth to the touch. The texture is soft and easily breaks down when in tomato sauce. Consumers with questions about this health product or wishing to file a complaint can contact the FDA hotline at 1556, or Line: @FDAThai, Facebook: FDAThai, Email: [email protected], or P.O. Box 1556, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11004, or any provincial public health office nationwide, said the Secretary-General of the FDA.
Reporters said that tomorrow at 12:00 PM, Ms. Suphamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, will visit the factory to investigate the facts. The business owner has been asked to prepare documents for inspection.