A sausage factory in Chon Buri was raided by consumer protection police who seized 700,000 baht worth of food products for examination after nine children developed a blood disorder after eating sausages made there.
Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) commander Pol Maj Gen Anan Nanasombat and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday announced the seizure of the factory products.
Pol Col Nethi Wongkularb, chief of the CPPD's sub-division 4, said the raid followed information from the FDA that the children -- from Chiang Mai, Saraburi, Phetchaburi, Trang and Kanchanaburi provinces -- were hospitalised after eating sausages.
They were diagnosed with methaemoglobinemia (a blood disorder caused by elevated levels of a form of haemoglobin).
CPPD investigators found out the sausages were made at the factory.
The police, FDA officials and health officials in Chon Buri jointly inspected the factory and spoke with a woman who said she was the owner. Her name has been withheld.
The woman admitted to having made sausage products without proper permits for about five years, Pol Col Nethi said.
The labels on some of the products at the factory matched those on the food eaten by the students who fell ill. The products had no FDA approval. The factory did not pass good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards, Pol Col Nethi said.
The factory produced 32 brands, with some products displaying halal certificates. The owner was detained for questioning.
Authorities also ordered the closure of the factory.
Pol Col Nethi said the factory violated many sections of the Food Act, including Section 6 (7) by producing food products that failed to follow GMPs. This violation carries a fine of up to 10,000 baht; and Section 6 (10) in displaying false product labels, which carries a fine of up to 30,000 baht.
If prohibited substances were found in the products, the factory will face charges of producing contaminated food products, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and/or a fine of 20,000 baht, Pol Col Nethi said.
So far, no charges have been pressed.
