Goa: FDA checks fish stocks brought in via railways

MARGAO: The directorate of food and drugs administration (FDA) recenly intercepted a vehicle outside the Margao railway station that was transporting fish brought via the railways to the wholesale fish market at Margao.
The inspection was carried out in view of recent reports pertaining to the transportation of fish into Goa through the railways and doubts raised on the checks of these consignments.
On Thursday, the insulated boxes in the vehicle were opened at random to check for cold chain compliance. It was observed that adequate ice was used to preserve the fish. The consignment was also tested by the Quality Council of India (QCI) laboratory, and after the reports were found to be clear, the fish vendor was allowed to proceed with sales, the FDA said.
The vehicle was intercepted at about 5.15pm outside the railway station and documents were verified. It was observed that the stock was ordered by one of the vendors attached to the wholesale fish market at Margao.
The vendor was summoned and further details obtained were from him. He also produced the FSSAI license for transportation and wholesale sale of fish.
According to the FDA, the QCI laboratory tests stock loaded on all such vehicles and stock is sold in the open market only after reports are issued by the council.