Formalin fallout: Government to crack down on fish traders in state

BHUBANESWAR: With fish markets closed on Saturday for Rath Yatra, the state government is planning to widen crackdown on traders from Sunday onwards to find out use of hazardous chemicals like formalin for preservation.
Formalin content was found in a pomfret fish sold in Unit-4 market of the city on Friday. A team of 12 experts from the fisheries and animal resources development (Fard) department conducted laboratory tests on nine types of fish samples collected from the market and found traces of formalin in the pomfret, an official source said.




Fard secretary Vishal Gagan said the state government is investigating into detection of formalin from the pomfret fish. "We will take stringent action against the traders or fish dealers for using the hazardous chemical like formalin in fish and prawns," he added.

"We will start conducting raids on markets from Sunday and collect samples to conduct laboratory tests. District collectors have been asked to collect samples from their respective districts for test. If found guilty of adulteration, the traders or dealers will face action," he added.

Ramachandra Rout, additional director of health department, said the consumers should keep some points in mind while buying fish or prawns from the market.

"They should avoid discoloured and deteriorated fish or prawns. People should not purchase fish with black spots and blistered portions. Broken and damaged fish and prawns have foreign matter in them," he added.

Formalin-laced fish or prawns look hard because formalin hardens the tissues of the bodies. The adulterated fish smell differently from regular ones, said Rout.

Doctors warn that people consuming formalin-laced fish and prawns unknowingly can invite serious health problems.

Ashok Kumar Mohapatra, director of health programmes, SOA deemed- to-be University, said, "Formalin is a poisonous substance and it is not edible. If it goes to our body, we will face different health problems. Our internal bodies like liver, kidney and heart may be affected by the impact of formalin."

He said the substance is used in human bodies for preserving them from decaying.

Manoj Kumar Sahu, gastroenterologist, said, "Formalin is a toxic substance which can harden the tissues and cells of the body. This can cause damage to internal organs. In the long run, this can cause cancer."