Shrimp paste to be recalled

Authorities have ordered manufacturers of kapi, or shrimp paste, to recall their products from the market after they were found to have been contaminated.

Speaking after a random quality inspection at local markets in Krabi province, Panut Sophonpong, a public health official at Krabi Public Health Department, said yesterday that seven samples of shrimp paste collected from local markets in the province were contaminated with dye.

He said officials from his department inspected several markets in the province, running random quality checks on fresh products including shrimp paste — one of the most popular Thai ingredients.

The shrimp paste samples were tested at a lab in Surat Thani province, said Dr Panut, who did not say how many samples were collected.

“Seven of the samples were contaminated by dye,” he said. “Exposure to a tinted food product can harm people’s health.”

The contaminated brands included Kapi Ku Krau (both in jar and bar form), Kapi Nittaya (also jar and bar form) produced by Chok Nittaya Krabi, Kapi Namprik Jasea (jar) and Kapi Ku Krau Jaad (jar).

One Tambon One Product (Otop) shrimp pastes from four local sources were also tainted, Dr Panut said.

The products from Krabi province come from Ao Nam, and Laem Sak in Ao Luk district; from Rapoo, and Thungyipeng in Lanta Island, and Kapi Nittaya from Khlong Thom.

Kapi Nittaya products were Otop’s chosen product for Krabi province in 2010.

The former government’s Otop policy provides rural products with access to urban and overseas markets.

Dr Panut warned shrimp paste producers to stop using colour dye in their products or they would face legal action. “Colouring agents are not allowed to be used in shrimp paste,” he said.

Food producers who i nclude harmful substances in their products and sellers who sell contaminated goods face a maximum jail term of two years and/or a fine of 20,000 baht.

Dr Panut said public health officials are collecting evidence of contaminated products and will lodge a police complaint against violators.