With Thai shrimp industry operating at 33% of 2010 level, TFFA members say labor issues are resolved
SEAFOODNEWS.COM by John Sackton July 17, 2014
The Thai Frozen Food Association has put out a statement regarding the Guardian article last month alleging that small fishing boats in Thailand used slave labor, and that the products of these boats was used in growing shrimp.
The article, published one week before the US downgraded Thailand to tier 3 in its annual trafficking report, said that catch from these boats went to fishmeal, then to feed mills producing shrimp feed, and then to shrimp farms.
TFFA says first, they strongly oppose Child and Forced Labor. "Our members have worked for many years to eliminate this horrific practice from the shrimp supply chain. Any member found violating the Ethical Code will be expelled and thus permanently barred from the trade. Members will be monitored by the Good Labor Practice (GLP) program sanctioned by the ILO."
Second, "since we export only aquacultured shrimps, our leverage on fishing boats are minimal. Still, we insist that our suppliers not use any undocumented raw materials...(more)
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