Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has clarified to the Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Committee that it is not the cause of the black chin tilapia problem. The company has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the government to address the issue, restore the ecosystem, and continue progress with five projects aligned with government initiatives.
CP Foods emphasized that it was invited by the committee to provide factual information and express its stance on the matter. The company reaffirmed that it is the only legal importer and is not the cause of the black chin tilapia problem. CP Foods has ensured the proper quarantine of fish fry for 16 days and stated that after destroying all remaining fish fry, it ceased research or raising of black chin tilapia in January 2011, with no further commercial activities involving the species.
Regarding a 2017 inspection by Fisheries Department officials, CP Foods clarified that the inspection occurred at a water reservoir connected to a natural water source, which is not part of the farm. This reservoir is used for filtering and disinfecting water before farm use. At the time, the farm was closed for renovation and not raising any fish.
The company also noted that recording images and audio was not allowed due to legal considerations.
CP Foods reiterated its commitment to cooperating with government agencies to implement measures to address the black chin tilapia issue. These measures include reducing the black chin tilapia population in affected areas, releasing predatory fish after the tilapia population is reduced, utilizing the fish without waste, preventing the spread to other water sources, and educating the public on preventing dangers from invasive aquatic species.
Currently, CP Foods is executing five projects aligned with government guidelines. The first project involves collaboration with the Department of Fisheries to purchase 2 million kilograms of black chin tilapia from provinces with outbreaks, with 600,000 kilograms already acquired. The second project supports the release of 200,000 predatory fish into water sources, including 49,000 sea bass in collaboration with local communities and sectors in outbreak areas. The third project focuses on supporting fishing initiatives by providing fishing equipment and local manpower. The fourth project involves collaborating with Kasetsart University, Khon Kaen University, and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang to develop food products from black chin tilapia. The fifth project entails conducting joint research with experts from Kasetsart University and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, along with Chulalongkorn University, to find long-term solutions for controlling the black chin tilapia population.
CP Foods remains dedicated to cooperating with the government and other stakeholders to resolve the black chin tilapia issue effectively and sustainably. (NNT)
