Having identified “misleading images and messages” about invasive blackchin tilapia circulating in public forums in Thailand, Bangkok-headquartered Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) is concerned about damage being done to its reputation by unsubstantiated claims and misunderstandings.
“One image falsely claims to depict the condition of Yisan Farm’s earthen fish pond used for breeding blackchin tilapia from 2011 to 2014. It incorrectly states that the farm continuously raised the fish from 2010 to 2017,” stated Kobboon Srichai, head of corporate affairs at CP Foods. “In reality, this is not Yisan Farm, and after the project was halted in January 2011 with the destruction of all fish fry, the company ceased all activities related to this fish. The claim of continuous raising until 2017 is completely fabricated.”
Another image, she added, “falsely claims to show the selection of blackchin tilapia eggs for breeding at Yisan Farm. In fact, the location depicted is not Yisan Farm, and the activities shown do not align with the company’s practices.
“An aerial photo inaccurately shows the farm’s layout, misidentifying areas within the farm. The red-framed area, claimed to be a fish pond, is actually a shrimp pond. The yellow-framed area, labeled as fish breeding and nursery ponds, is, in fact, used for improving the breeding of Nile tilapia, red tilapia and sea fish.”
CP Foods is actively working on five cooperative projects to support problem-solving. This includes collaboration with Thailand’s Department of Fisheries to catch fish and release sea bass fry, where a significant decrease in fish populations has been noted in some areas. Recently, the company joined an activity with the Samut Songkhram Provincial Fisheries Office and has been approached by several leading universities to collaborate on research for food product development and long-term fish population control.
Emphasizing that CP Foods is committed to cooperating with relevant agencies to establish the truth based on factual evidence, Ms. Kobboon made it clear that the company will protect its reputation against the use of false information and images intended to mislead the public. Persons spreading or using such information to express opinions on public platforms or in the media will be held accountable for any resulting damage. Legal action is being considered.
Naive to Africa, blackchin tilapia were imported from Ghana by CP Foods for research purposes in 2010. It was not the only importer of the species. The CP study project was halted within a few months, and never resumed.
According to comments from CP Foods Chief Executive Prasit Boondoungprasert published in the Bangkok Post, all proper procedures were followed. “That happened 14 years ago. How does the spread (of the invasive fish) have anything to do with us?”
