Samut Sakhon governor orders temporary shutdown of canned fish factory over standards breach
A canned fish factory in Samut Sakhon has been ordered to halt operations after wastewater treatment failed to meet standards and authorities found labelling that misled consumers.
Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, on Thursday gave an update on the canned fish product controversy after inspecting Srirungngam Foods Co Ltd in Kalong subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon, together with relevant agencies, including provincial authorities, on May 6.
She said she had now received a report from Amnart Charoensri, governor of Samut Sakhon, stating that an inspection by the Samut Sakhon Provincial Industry Office had found the factory’s wastewater treatment system did not meet the required standard.
As a result, the company has been ordered to temporarily suspend operations so that it can improve its production site to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.
In addition, the operator was found to have used a different type of fish in place of the mackerel stated on the label, an offence that may be treated as the production of counterfeit food under the Food Act 1979. The offence carries penalties ranging from six months to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 to 100,000 baht.
The company also faces allegations of incorrect labelling that could cause consumers to misunderstand the essential nature of the product, an offence punishable by a fine of up to 30,000 baht.
If the operator is able to improve the premises and production process so that they fully meet the required standards, the site will be inspected again. Only once it passes the quality criteria will it be allowed to resume operations.
