The FDA coordinated with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office to inspect a canned fish factory that was misrepresenting its product. They found the use of fish other than mackerel and seized over 13,000 cans, noting the factory is liable for both imprisonment and fines.
On 5 May 2026, Pharmacist Suphattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), addressed a case involving a Facebook video where a user questioned the abnormal appearance of canned fish, which did not match the label stating it was mackerel. Although the user later removed the video after compensation from the company and a product recall, as the regulatory agency, the FDA must thoroughly investigate to protect consumers and uphold the quality, standards, and safety of food in the country.
The FDA then coordinated with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office to inspect the canned fish manufacturing company located in Samut Sakhon Province, identified as the source of the product. The inspection revealed the factory failed to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and found finished products containing fish species other than mackerel as reported. Authorities ordered the company to recall all products from the market and seized 12,760 cans at the manufacturing site plus 250 cans found at sales locations. They also coordinated with the Department of Fisheries to confirm the fish species used more precisely.
The FDA Secretary-General emphasized that substituting other fish species for mackerel without authorization and labeling the product as mackerel constitutes consumer deception. Even if the substituted fish is safe to eat, this is a violation of the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979), punishable by imprisonment from six months to ten years and fines ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 baht, plus a fine not exceeding 30,000 baht for incorrect labeling causing consumer misunderstanding. He warned all producers to conduct business ethically, as such actions not only deceive consumers but also damage confidence in Thailand’s food industry. The FDA will prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
Canned fish made from mackerel typically has very fine scales that may appear smooth, with a soft texture that easily flakes apart when in tomato sauce.