Bangkok, Aug 2 (TNA) – Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) has refuted allegations that it is responsible for the proliferation of the invasive black chin tilapia species in Thailand.
In a statement to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the company asserted its commitment to collaborating with the government to address this ecological issue.
CPF officials clarified that while they were indeed the sole legal importer of the fish in 2010, they had adhered strictly to quarantine protocols. Following the destruction of the remaining fish, the company ceased all research, breeding, and commercial activities related to the black chin tilapia.
Regarding a 2017 inspection by the Department of Fisheries, CPF explained that the officials had examined holding ponds connected to natural water sources, which were not part of the active farming operation at the time. The company had been in the process of renovating the farm and was not cultivating any fish. The decision to restrict recording during the inspection was attributed to the presence of legally sensitive information.
CPF has expressed its willingness to support the government’s seven-point plan to mitigate the impact of the invasive species, which includes measures such as capturing the fish to reduce populations, introducing predatory species, and educating the public about the dangers of alien species. -819 (TNA)
