FDA Orders Urgent Testing: Canned Mackerel Suspected to Contain Tilapia Instead—12,760 Cans Seized
Thai authorities seized 12,760 cans of mislabeled fish products after discovering a Samut Sakhon factory was selling tilapia as mackerel, violating food safety regulations and constituting consumer fraud.
On May 5, 2569, Supattra Bunserm, Secretary of the Food and Drug Administration's board, revealed details of a Facebook video posted by user "Tao Somchai Nai" who questioned the unusual appearance of canned fish he purchased, noting it did not match the mackerel label. Although the poster later deleted the video after receiving compensation and a product recall from the company, the FDA determined a thorough investigation was necessary to protect consumers and maintain food safety standards.
The FDA coordinated with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Health Office to inspect the manufacturing facility located in Khahlang Subdistrict, Muang District, Samut Sakhon Province. The inspection revealed the facility failed to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and confirmed the finished products used a different fish species than labeled. Officials ordered a complete product recall and seized 12,760 cans from the factory and 250 cans from retail locations. The Department of Fisheries was also contacted to verify the fish species used.
The FDA emphasized that substituting raw materials with a different fish species while labeling products as mackerel constitutes consumer fraud. Although tilapia is safe for consumption, the mislabeling violates food safety regulations. Violations carry penalties of six months to ten years imprisonment and fines of 5,000 to 100,000 baht for producing counterfeit food, plus fines up to 30,000 baht for incorrect labeling that misleads consumers.
The agency warned all manufacturers to conduct business ethically, cautioning that such practices damage consumer trust and harm the Thai food industry's reputation. The FDA will pursue maximum legal penalties for confirmed violations.
Mackerel canned products are characterized by very fine scales appearing as smooth skin, with soft, easily-crumbling flesh in tomato sauce. Consumers with concerns about food products or complaints can contact the FDA hotline at 1556, Line @FDAThai, Facebook FDAThai, email 1556@fda.moph.go.th, P.O. Box 1556 at the Ministry of Public Health in Nonthaburi 11004, or provincial health offices nationwide.
