Seafood Task Force Collaboration Helps Thai Shrimp Industry Meet US Traceability Requirements - Apr '26
Bangkok -- As part of the Seafood Task Force’s (STF) ongoing collaboration efforts with Thailand’s Department of Fisheries (DOF), a new online tool has been developed that helps Thai shrimp processors to meet new US food traceability requirements more easily. This marks a significant step forward for the country's seafood export industry and is a demonstration of the STF’s commitment to continuous improvement up to national government levels.
The new tool, launched by the DOF, provides instant access to GPS coordinates and location information for licensed shrimp farms across Thailand through a simple online search system. This development directly addresses critical requirements under the US Food and Drug Administration's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Section 204. FSMA mandates enhanced traceability for foods on the Food Traceability List, including farm maps with geographic coordinates for aquaculture operations.
The collaboration began in March 2025 when Dr. Rawee Viriyatum from the STF Executive Team initiated discussions with the DOF after identifying the challenges Thai processors would face in meeting the new US requirements. The primary obstacle was Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), which prevented the disclosure of farm GPS information despite the DOF holding this data as part of the Good Aquaculture Practice (GAP) certification process.
Through a series of consultations led by Dr. Rawee and the STF Thai Shrimp subgroup, the STF brought together key stakeholders including the DOF's Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Division, Fisheries Commodity Standard System and Traceability Division, Legal Affairs Division and Fish Inspection and Quality Control Division, alongside the National Bureau of Agriculture Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) and STF member companies Marine Gold and Thai Royal Frozen Food.
The meetings addressed the industry's challenges in complying with US traceability requirements while navigating Thai data protection laws. The solution established by the DOF's technical working group and legal review committee utilizes existing information required by the GAP standard, creating a legally compliant online system that demonstrates traceable aquaculture farms.
With approximately 10,000 shrimp farms in Thailand, the majority of which export to the US market, this platform provides industry-wide impact. Thai processors can now access the farm location data they need to comply with FSMA Section 204 requirements, which include maintaining farm maps with geographic coordinates for each container where seafood is raised.
STF Executive Director, Martin Thurley said:
"This collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and government work together to solve complex regulatory challenges. Dr. Rawee and our Thai members identified a critical barrier that could have significantly impacted Thailand's shrimp exports to the United States and through persistent engagement with the DOF and relevant agencies, we have, together, helped deliver a practical, legally compliant solution that benefits the entire Thai shrimp industry. This is exactly the kind of industry-wide impact the STF was established to facilitate."
The new DOF platform represents a model for how trade associations can work constructively with government agencies to address emerging traceability requirements while respecting data protection laws. The solution ensures that Thai shrimp processors remain competitive in the US market while maintaining compliance with both international food safety standards and domestic privacy regulations.
The STF remains committed to supporting its Thai members and the broader Thai seafood industry in meeting evolving international market requirements. This initiative demonstrates how STF's unique ability to work successfully at a policy level brings value by convening government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop regulatory solutions that create lasting and systemic change.
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About the Seafood Task Force:
The Seafood Task Force (STF) was established in 2014 to restore global confidence to trade, following concerns about social and environmental abuse in global tuna and shrimp supply chains. It is made up of over 50 major retailers, brands, food service companies and their supply chain partners.
The STF drives supply chain oversight at scale, pioneering a pro-competitive approach that makes it easier for its members to meet international standards and growing due diligence requirements.
The STF is a US-based, not-for-profit trade association established for the seafood industry by the seafood industry. Its vision is a future where its members’ seafood supply chains are fully traceable, free from the risk of human rights violations and free from environmental degradation.
For more information: https://seafoodtaskforce.global/