Thailand’s FDA has ordered a recall and seized more than 13,000 canned fish products after a Samut Sakhon factory owned by Sri Rungnam Food Co. Ltd fails GMP checks.
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration has ordered the recall after an inspection found that the manufacturer’s plant in Samut Sakhon failed Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and had produced canned fish using blackchin tilapia instead of mackerel as indicated on its labelling.
The case has triggered strong public criticism as canned fish is a common low-cost staple for many households, while tilapia is an even cheaper freshwater fish than mackerel.
Supattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the FDA mentioned that the agency had coordinated with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office to inspect the factory producing the canned fish brand.
The inspection covered food production quality and the raw materials used, including whether they were safe, of good quality and consistent with what had been declared on the food label.
A total of 12,760 cans were seized at the production site, while another 250 cans were found and seized at retail outlets, bringing the total to 13,010 cans.
Using raw materials that do not match what was declared carries a penalty of 6 months to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Bt 10,000 (US$307). Incorrect food labelling carries a fine of up to Bt 30,000 (US$920) and imprisonment of up to 6 months.
The canned fish factory has also been ordered to temporarily halt its operation after its wastewater treatment failed to meet standards apart from the misleading labelling.
