The Dark Side of India’s Shrimp Industry: A Whistleblower’s Story

On October 29, 2023, Joshua Farinella, a 45-year-old American, arrived in Amalapuram, India, to take on a new role as the general manager at a shrimp processing plant owned by Choice Canning. Excited about the opportunity but soon faced with shocking realities, Farinella discovered the harsh truth behind the facade of the plant.

Farinella, who had hoped for a better life for his family with the high-paying job, found himself in a nightmare as he uncovered the exploitation and mistreatment of the plant’s workers. Forced labor, underpayment, unsanitary living conditions, and illegal practices like using banned antibiotics were just the tip of the iceberg. His investigation revealed a dark underbelly of the booming shrimp industry in India.

Choice Canning, one of India’s major shrimp suppliers, denied Farinella’s allegations, claiming they never mistreated their employees. However, evidence collected by Farinella painted a different picture, showcasing the grim reality faced by hundreds of workers at the plant.

Living in cramped, bug-infested quarters, working without days off for a year, and facing abusive treatment from labor contractors, the workers at the plant endured unimaginable hardships. Farinella’s efforts to bring attention to these issues were met with resistance and denial from the company.

As the scandal unraveled, media reports highlighted the plight of the workers, many of whom marched to demand justice for their stolen wages and abusive treatment. The revelations not only shed light on the specific case at Choice Canning but also exposed broader concerns about forced labor and environmental violations in the shrimp industry in India.

Farinella’s decision to blow the whistle on Choice Canning’s practices led to investigations by federal agencies in the U.S., revealing food safety violations and illegal exports of contaminated shrimp to American brands. His courageous actions brought attention to the urgent need for accountability and reform in the industry.

As the story of the shrimp plant in India unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind the seafood on our plates. It underscores the importance of ethical sourcing and responsible practices in global supply chains.

About the Author

Marcella Boehler is the global publishing editor at The Outlaw Ocean Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigative journalism on human rights and environmental issues at sea. For more stories and podcasts, visit The Outlaw Ocean Project.