Formalin Detected in 4 Out of fifty Fish Samples Examined at Junglighat Fish Market by Food Safety Officials

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 28 March 2025

Acting on the instructions of the Commissioner of Food Safety, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman), the Joint Commissioner (Food Safety)/ADM (SA), together with a workforce of Food Safety Officials, performed a shock inspection on the Fish Market in Junglighat on twenty seventh March 2025. The inspection aimed to detect the attainable use of dangerous chemical compounds, equivalent to formalin, which is usually used to extend the freshness of fish.

During the inspection, the workforce examined fish samples utilizing speedy check kits developed by ICAR-CIFT, Cochin. Out of greater than 50 samples examined, 4 samples have been discovered constructive for formalin. The constructive samples have been despatched for additional evaluation at accredited laboratories, and applicable motion can be taken below the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The Joint Commissioner (Food Safety)/ADM engaged with fish distributors through the inspection and educated them in regards to the dangerous results of formalin-laced fish on human well being. He issued a strict warning to all stakeholders, emphasising that punitive motion can be initiated in opposition to violators to make sure public well being and security.

In a parallel operation, one other workforce of Food Safety Officials collected samples of water and ice utilized by native fish distributors for fish preservation. Spot checks performed on these samples utilizing subject check kits yielded detrimental outcomes, indicating no dangerous substances.

Additionally, regulatory samples of fish have been lifted by the Food Safety Department for detailed evaluation by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories to evaluate compliance with prescribed security requirements.

The Joint Commissioner (Food Safety)/ADM reiterated his warning to meals enterprise operators, cautioning them in opposition to indulging in any such violations. He emphasised that strict motion can be taken below the Food Safety Act in opposition to offenders.

Members of the general public are inspired to report any issues or complaints relating to meals security by calling 03192-236112.