Supamas Orders Tilapia Ban in Canned Fish Across Thailand

"...a mackerel shortage as the reason for the substitution..."

No, it’s straight‑up fraud!

Consumers were deliberately deceived, and that undermines trust in the entire food industry.

Penalties must reflect the seriousness of that. Jail time should be mandatory for anyone involved in knowingly passing off cheap alternatives as premium canned food.

Without real consequences, this kind of thing will just keep happening.

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Consumer protection officials in Thailand have been directed by Prime Minister's Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi to halt the use of tilapia in canned-fish products. This follows a May 1 incident where products sold as mackerel were found to contain tilapia. Despite the producer reaching a settlement with affected consumers, Supamas cautioned that similar issues could occur again.

Get today's headlines by email

Following the incident, the Ministry has called for inspections in local factories and a thorough review of consumer complaints. The affected consumer informed Thai PBS about receiving an apology and compensation from the producer, who cited a mackerel shortage as the reason for the substitution.

The Thai FDA has commenced inspections at a seafood factory in Samut Sakhon province. FDA secretary-general Supattra Boonserm reported that health officials noted lapses in manufacturing practices and found unauthorized fish in the products. Consequently, the company has been ordered to recall all products, with 13,010 cans already seized from production and local markets.

Misleading labels and unauthorized substitutions in canned fish products equate to consumer deception, carrying penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 baht. Supattra has also urged the Department of Fisheries to identify the fish species used in these products.

This crackdown comes amid a global mackerel shortage, affecting both international and Thai markets. Overfishing and quota issues have impacted supplies globally, causing notable retailers like Waitrose to halt mackerel sales and warn of potential species collapse.

Looking forward, officials will continue inspecting factories and monitoring consumer reports to ensure compliance with regulations. Efforts to manage the mackerel shortage and maintain product integrity remain critical as the situation unfolds.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 04 Mar 2026

View full article

Hopefully, the seized cans of tilapia will be donated to some charitable organization(s).

2 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

Without real consequences, this kind of thing will just keep happening.

Exactly.

The fines here in Thailand are pitiful.

Food producers knowingly substituting a trash fish for a quality fish and getting a 2.5k Euro fine. WTF.