Thai authorities seize 346 tonnes of smuggled chicken feet amid bird flu concerns
BANGKOK: Thai authorities recently confiscated over 346 tonnes of illegally imported chicken feet from a cold storage facility in Samut Sakhon province in an effort to curb the spread of avian influenza.
Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director-general of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), stated that the department had collaborated with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) to inspect the cold storage facility of a company in Mueang Samut Sakhon district following complaints about illegal imports of poultry carcasses, specifically chicken feet, without authorisation.
A covert investigation revealed that a portion of the confiscated chicken feet originated from Brazil, where avian influenza outbreaks have been reported.
Upon inspecting the cold storage facility, authorities found large quantities of frozen chicken feet packaged in bags and boxes indicating production sources from Brazil, Chile, Turkey and Germany.
An examination of the facility's deposit records confirmed a total of 346,390 kilogrammes, or approximately 346.39 tonnes, of stored chicken feet, an act deemed illegal under Sections 22 and 31 of the Animal Epidemics Act BE 2558 (2015).
The DLD subsequently seized all the chicken feet and filed legal complaints against the perpetrators.
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
Additionally, they planned to coordinate with the Customs Department to pursue relevant charges under the Customs Act.
The department also intends to collaborate with the Central Investigation Bureau to trace the masterminds and networks involved in the smuggling operation.
For the confiscated chicken feet, DLD officials collected random samples and sent them for laboratory analysis to detect any hazardous pathogens, particularly avian influenza, to assess the health risks to animals and ensure consumer safety.
DLD officials noted that this operation aligns with Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat and Deputy Agriculture Minister Itthi Sirilathayakorn's policy to crack down on the illegal import of livestock products.
The objective is to prevent foreign disease outbreaks, protect domestic consumers, and maintain a fair livestock market for Thai farmers. - The Nation/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
30 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Jerantut crash survivors transferred to private hospital, police to record statements
KUANTAN: The three individuals travelling in a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) who were injured in a collision with a Proton Bezza, which killed five family members yesterday, have been transferred to a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said they were initially treated at Jerantut Hospital before being referred to Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh. "They later opted to seek treatment at a private hospital, and all three are currently warded in Kuala Lumpur. "Police will record their statements once they receive clearance from the attending doctor," he said when contacted today. Yahaya said the 37-year-old Toyota Alphard driver sustained leg and chest injuries, while a 28-year-old male passenger also suffered chest injuries. He said a 28-year-old Thai woman travelling in the vehicle sustained neck injuries. "All three victims reside in Jerantut," he said. On allegations that the Alphard driver did not possess a valid driving licence, Yahaya said police are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, Jerantut district police chief Superintendent Zukri Muhammad said preliminary investigations revealed that the crash occurred when the Perodua Bezza made a U-turn at the junction at Km7 of Jalan Jerantut–Maran. "The findings are consistent with the damage observed on both vehicles, particularly on the right side of the Bezza," he said. In the midnight crash yesterday, five people, including four siblings travelling in the Bezza, died at the scene, while the three occupants of the Alphard sustained injuries. The driver had allegedly made a sudden U-turn at the junction, resulting in the collision with the Alphard.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Thai DPM Phumtham cancels Paris trip to monitor three key developments
BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) has cancelled his planned trip to Paris next week in order to monitor three key developments involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Thai-Cambodian relations, a source said. The source revealed that Phumtham decided to withdraw from the military meeting and airshow scheduled for June 15–19 in Paris so he could remain in the country to closely follow events occurring on June 12, 13 and 14. On Thursday (June 12), the Medical Council of Thailand is due to meet to decide whether to reaffirm its resolution to punish three doctors who gave opinions that were used as justification for allowing Thaksin to stay at the Police General Hospital for six months instead of serving time in Bangkok Remand Prison. The council had previously resolved to suspend the medical licences of two doctors and issue a warning to a third. However, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin exercised his right to veto the resolution. This veto means the council must now secure a two-thirds majority vote to reaffirm the decision. On June 13, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office is scheduled to begin an inquisitorial process into whether state agencies failed to enforce the court's ruling to imprison Thaksin. The court earlier stated it had reason to believe Thaksin's sentence was not properly carried out, given that he remained at the Police General Hospital for six months before being paroled in February last year. As a result, the court decided to initiate its own inquiry. Meanwhile, the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) was initially set to meet in Phnom Penh on June 14. However, following the May 28 border skirmish at the Chong Bok Pass in Ubon Ratchathani, Cambodia indicated it might cancel the meeting. If the meeting proceeds, Phumtham will still need to monitor its outcomes to assess whether they serve Thailand's interests in the ongoing border dispute. - The Nation/ANN
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Aidiladha weekend sees uptick in illegal crossings at Sungai Golok
RANTAU PANJANG: Droves of Malaysians, especially from Kelantan, have illegally crossed into Thailand via Sungai Golok, during the long Hari Raya Aidiladha weekend. It is understood that a large number of people — many of them young adults — would use the illegal jetties nestled between riverside houses along Sungai Golok, which runs along the border between here in Kelantan and the southern Thai town that bears the river's name. "It cannot be denied that a majority of Malaysians go to Sungai Golok to visit relatives, but some might take the opportunity to go there for entertainment," said the sources. A local parking attendant, identified only as Pak Lah, sadi the festive period saw a surge of people illegally crossing into Thailand. "They usually come in groups and will cross late at night or before sunrise. "Some return before dawn, while others stay until the next day," he said, adding that many are drawn by the nightlife and entertainment in Sungai Golok. Pak Lah said the risk of arrest or being fined did not deter them. "These people know the risks, but they are still willing to take the chance. "They believe if they go at the right time, they can avoid the authorities," he said. Checks at several illegal jetties here today found many groups crossing at night or in the early morning to avoid detection by the authorities. Many cars could be seen parked near jetties, where boats were moored waiting for customers. Authorities had warned that illegal crossings not only had legal consequences but also posed safety risks.
