NEW YORK — U.S. officials and human rights activists are urging Americans to not buy fish and shrimp tied to supply chains in Thailand, where The Associated Press has found slaves are forced to work in the seafood industry.

The AP reported Monday it found enslaved workers who were forced to peel shrimp in Thailand for up to 16 hours a day for little or no pay, and many were locked inside for months or even years on end.

U.S. customs records show the shrimp made its way into the supply chains of major U.S. food stores and retailers as well as the supply chains of some of America’s best-known seafood brands and pet foods.