In term of aquaculture, Thailand has been one of the top ten fishery producers in the world. Over the past fifteen years, the Thai Government has implemented many strategies and programmes on food safety, such as the From Farm to Table Programme to present Thailand as “Kitchen of the World”.

An increase in shrimp and fish culture in every year has had a large effect on the demand for feed ingredients, compounded by many other factors such as disease outbreaks and competition for land use. In an attempt to reduce production losses, most farmers may add some chemicals or drugs and feed additives to the culture system. Government agencies, particularly the Department of Fisheries (DOF), have set policies to protect consumers and increase confidence in that fish products are safe to consume.

Under the Fisheries Act, B.E. 2558 (2015), DOF is authorised to address aquaculture sustainability, including food safety, animal health and welfare, environmental integrity, social and community welfare and regulation of fishing activities.

Regarding food safety for fisheries products, DOF is responsible for developing strategies to control the whole aquaculture supply chain, including upstream supply, farming and downstream products. Controls on farming include a Code of Conduct (CoC), Good Aquaculture Practices and organic schemes. Certification includes monitoring of seed, feed and raw materials used in culture systems, product handling and transportation.

The Feed Quality Control and Development Division is responsible for registration and certification of feed formulas (including minimum quality standards), feed manufacturing, sale and monitoring of feed quality including testing for chemical residues and contaminants. Measures in place on the downstream side include inspection and monitoring of end products for residues and contaminants, health certificates and certification of product quality. Certified products are subject to a traceability system.

Culture system certification can be made according to various standards, including GAP, CoC or organic, which plays a major role in labeling and marketing. These standards provide a means for both producers and consumers to understand the quality and safety of a product. All certification systems consider environmental sustainability and social welfare issues.