“We learned from Super Cheap management that the reptile was mixed with Pla Ra during the packaging process at a factory in Pathum Thani (outside Bangkok),” Panida Mevichear of the Phuket Consumer Protection Office told The Phuket News today (Sept 30).
“The local health office there is investigating the factory,” she added.
The investigation came after Phuket Town noodle vendor Wanida Pakamaad filed a complaint with police on Sept 10 after she discovered what she suspected was snake in Pla Ra that she bought from a Super Cheap store outlet on Surin Rd, Phuket Town. (See story here)
On Sept 12, Ms Wanida reported the discovery to the Phuket office of the Consumer Protection Board at Phuket Provincial Hall, where officials confirmed that the creature found in the pickled fish serving was indeed a snake. (See story here.)
Phuket Consumer Protection official Ms Panida said today, “Phuket Super Cheap management confirmed that the company had discontinued its order for all stores from that factory and willing to compensate Ms Wanida.
“But we were told that Ms Wandia did not want any money, she just wanted the public to be aware of the incident, to remind authorities to check consumer products regularly and for business operators and food producers to be socially responsible by providing clean produce to consumers,” she added.
“We tried to contact her by phone to let her know of the update, but we have been unable to get in touch with her. We will send a letter to see if she still want to continue with this complaint or not,” Ms Panida said.