26 sept 2011
Fish lovers beware! Unscrupulous fish wholesalers are using formalin, a toxic and carcinogenic chemical commonly used to preserve dead bodies in mortuaries, to prevent fish from deteriorating during transportation.
This shocking practice came to light after fisheries department authorities in neighbouring Punjab sounded an alert.
What is alarming is that while the Punjab authorities have reacted, authorities in Delhi, from where the fish is resold to Punjab retailers, appear unaware of the malpractice.
Dr A. K. Walia, Delhi's health minister, when contacted, said, "In the past, whenever we have heard reports about adulteration in any food substance, we have carried out raids, thoroughly examined the substances and subsequently taken requisite action." "Formalin is a poisonous substance and I am hearing about its use in fish coming to Delhi only now. We will definitely enquire about it and once it is authentically established, we will take whatever action is required under food safety laws," he promised.
Delhi markets use toxic formalin for preservation of fishes
Formalin is a toxic and carcinogenic chemical used to preserve dead bodies in mortuaries, to prevent fish from deteriorating during transportation.
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| Dr Sanjay Kumar Cardiac Cardiothoracic Heart Surgeon India |
The malpractice of preserving fish in formalin is widespread in Andhra Pradesh and in Delhi.
This shocking practice came to light after fisheries department authorities in neighbouring Punjab sounded an alert.
What is alarming is that while the Punjab authorities have reacted, authorities in Delhi, from where the fish is resold to Punjab retailers, appear unaware of the malpractice.
Dr A. K. Walia, Delhi's health minister, when contacted, said, "In the past, whenever we have heard reports about adulteration in any food substance, we have carried out raids, thoroughly examined the substances and subsequently taken requisite action." "Formalin is a poisonous substance and I am hearing about its use in fish coming to Delhi only now. We will definitely enquire about it and once it is authentically established, we will take whatever action is required under food safety laws," he promised.
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