"Supamas" is actively inspecting the area to restore consumer confidence after cases were found of "canned fish not matching the product label." Meanwhile, scientific testing revealed it to be "Nile tilapia." The FDA points out severe penalties for "counterfeit food." Up to 10 years in prison.
At 1:00 p.m. on 6 May 2026, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, led a team and related agencies to Mueang District, Samut Sakhon Province to inspect and follow up on concerns raised on social media about canned fish ingredients being substituted with other fish species instead of the authorized mackerel as stated on product labels.
Ms. Supamas said the government is not indifferent to the troubles faced by consumers. Even though the operator has initially compensated the victims, to prevent such incidents from recurring and to restore fairness to consumers, relevant agencies must investigate and verify the facts to ensure the safety of consumers’ health and property.
Previously, the FDA and Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office inspected the source factory and found that the production site failed to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Finished products containing other fish species inconsistent with the packaging labels were found, which constitutes consumer deception. This violates the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) under the charge of producing counterfeit food, punishable by imprisonment from six months to ten years and fines ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 baht, and for false labeling causing consumer misunderstanding, punishable by a fine up to 30,000 baht.
On behalf of the government, it is emphasized that consumer safety and confidence are the core of consumer rights protection. We will implement all measures to uphold these standards fully so that the public receives quality, safe goods and services at fair prices. Consumers who suffer damages have the right to seek consideration and compensation for losses from using such goods or services under the fundamental rights of the Consumer Protection Act.
Consumers who suffer damages from purchasing goods or services can file complaints via the Consumer Protection Hotline 1166, the OCPB connect application, or the website ocpb.go.th. Regional and local complaints can be made at the Damrongtham Center in provincial halls across the country.
Pharmacist Suphattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), added that the FDA has ordered suspension of production and collected samples for species verification by the Department of Fisheries.
Inspection of the factory found the production site failed GMP standards, posing health risks. Crucially, products containing other fish species were confirmed as reported. Officials have seized 12,760 cans of the implicated canned fish and other brands at the factory, plus 250 cans found at points of sale, for further verification.
It is reiterated that substituting other fish species for those authorized and stated on labels constitutes deception and qualifies as "counterfeit food" under the Food Act B.E. 2522, punishable by six months to ten years imprisonment and fines from 5,000 to 100,000 baht. False labeling causing consumer misunderstanding carries fines up to 30,000 baht. Failure to meet food production standards incurs fines up to 10,000 baht. Producers are warned to conduct business ethically, as such acts not only deceive consumers but also damage the credibility of the Thai food industry.
Furthermore, Ms. Thitiporn Laoprasert, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, reported that the FDA has sent samples to the Department for scientific testing, which confirmed the fish is Nile tilapia, not the black-chinned tilapia as circulated on social media.