Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Thai Aquaculture Federation, Aquaculture farmer and Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) organized "Thai standard aquaculture to fight COVID-19” activity, bringing good quality, fresh, clean, and safe produce from farms to end consumers.

The purpose is to ensure the consumption of seafood, helping small sized farmers to have income and be able to continue their businesses.

Mr. Mesak Pakdeekong, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, said the new round of COVID-19 outbreaks from the shrimp-fish market in Samut Sakhon Province created uncertainty about safety and sanitation in the consumption of aquatic animals. The concern over food safety has damaged the distribution of seafood products, including many aquaculture farmers and fishermen.

He added that the Department confirms that there has not been any report of the coronavirus infection via the aquatic animal.

However, consumers are advised to purchase quality fish and products that are certified to the standard. They are also suggested to wash and clean the product and cooked with heat to reduce the risks of contamination.

Mr. Phairoj Aphiraknusit, Executive Vice President at CP Foods, said that the company transfers its expertise to aquculture farmers to help them produce quality products according to international standards, safe and free from disease and contamination.

CP Foods also supports distribution channels help them sell their produce directly from farm to consumers, easing a concern of food safety in a new wave of COVID-19 crisis.

“We would like consumers to be confident that CP Pacific and farmed shrimp are raised with high standard of food safety. It is safe and has passed quality checks from the Department of Fisheries in every step. Consumers can ensure of its safety, ”said Pairoj.