Canned Fish Factory Owner Apologizes, Claims Tilapia Product Still in Testing Phase and Safe for Consumption
A canned fish factory in Samut Sakhon apologized for selling tilapia mislabeled as mackerel, claiming the product was experimental and safe but acknowledging complications in the production and distribution process.
The owner of a canned fish factory has apologized and insisted that the tilapia canned product was not intentionally released for sale, claiming it was only in the testing phase and is safe for consumption with no health hazards and nutritional benefits.
The controversy began when canned fish products did not match their labels, with tilapia meat found substituted for mackerel, prompting relevant authorities to inspect the factory in Samut Sakhon Province.
On May 6, 2025, Kittipong and Patthumrat Vikun Prasert, serving as company board members of the canned fish factory that used tilapia instead of mackerel, publicly apologized. On behalf of the company, they expressed regret to all people, particularly those affected by the incident, stating they were not complacent after learning of the problem. The company has contacted consumers and has already implemented some compensation measures. The company is currently investigating and recalling products, confirming that the product in question was an experimental product made from tilapia, which is safe to consume, poses no health risks, and offers nutritional value. The company is currently seeking proper label approval.
Regarding the labeling issue, the company is in the process of obtaining correct labels, but Kittipong could not immediately explain why the product was packaged in cans labeled as mackerel. He stated this matter requires further investigation and that production numbers cannot yet be confirmed, requiring document review for clarity.
On the matter of releasing experimental products for sale, Kittipong stated that the company had no intention to sell them but encountered complications, possibly in the production process. He could not confirm when the distribution process occurred and requested thorough investigation.
"The company requests the opportunity to do our best. Throughout our 15 years in business, we have genuinely intended to produce quality products at fair prices accessible to consumers. The current economic situation may have made things more challenging," Kittipong stated.
Kittipong also clarified that the over 10,000 cans of fish that were seized were confirmed not to be tilapia, but the Food and Drug Administration found labeling errors with text that was too small, so samples were sent for testing.
When asked whether the circulating images of canned fish made from tilapia were from the company, Kittipong suggested they likely were based on the appearance but requested verification.
"Regarding tilapia details, we will clarify with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Commerce Office and the FDA first. We confirm that no other fish species were used in experimental canned fish production and accept taste testing and nutritional value assessment. We have already conducted our own quality evaluation of tilapia canned fish and reiterate that we are currently seeking proper label approval."
"The reason we tried tilapia production was due to the economic situation. The factory wanted to maintain the original selling price without increases because rising costs could create a chain effect affecting wholesalers and consumers, burdening the public. We wanted to keep prices at current levels or raise them minimally. Currently, freshwater and saltwater fish costs are nearly identical," he added.
