"BIOTHAI" explains in detail the DNA test results of canned fish revealing hidden blackchin tilapia; samples were produced in April 2026, after which the FDA inspected the factory in June 2026 and found only Nile tilapia.
Information from the Thai-PAN page clarifies the DNA verification process in #cannedfish.
BIOTHAI sent two canned fish samples to the International Center of Excellence for Marine Science and Innovation (ICE-SSI) at Prince of Songkla University for DNA analysis with the following details.
Sample A1 — Canned fish brand "Pinnthong".
Label: Sardines in tomato sauce.
Lot number: MRFSJ-PINNILM2.
Production date: 26 March 2026 | Expiry date: 26 March 2029.
Produced by: Surachai Foods Industry Co., Ltd. | FDA registration number: 75-1-56547-5-0024.
DNA test result: Found #Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) identified by Mini16S marker.
Note: Production site is in Samut Songkhram province.
Sample A2 — Canned fish brand "Dok Tan Yong".
Label: Sardines in tomato sauce.
Lot number: SR M070411A2.
Production date: 17 April 2026 | Expiry date: 17 April 2029.
Produced by: Srirungngam Foods Co., Ltd. | FDA registration number: 74-1-13654-5-0002.
DNA test result: Found #blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) identified by Mini16S and UniCOI markers.
Important note: Production site is the same factory inspected by the FDA on 5 June 2026.
DNA testing process: International standard.
This analysis was conducted systematically and transparently, divided into five main steps including.
Sampling fish — Randomly selected three fish tissue pieces (U1, U2, U3) from each can to avoid errors from a single sample.
DNA extraction — Isolated DNA from fish tissue in the laboratory.
DNA amplification (PCR) — Amplified target gene segments to amounts sufficient for analysis.
Base sequencing (Sanger Sequencing) — Read the DNA nucleotide sequence using standard techniques.
Comparison with NCBI GenBank database — Matched results with the international aquatic animal genetic database.
To maintain neutrality, samples were coded and sealed before sending to ICE-SSI. The lab reported results by sample code and only later were results linked to product information — a blind testing process to prevent bias.
Previously, the FDA disputed these results, stating no blackchin tilapia was found but only Nile tilapia, and took action against producers mislabeling products. The news team will continue following up to ensure fairness for all parties.