Thiruvananthapuram: The Food Safety Department has been conducting tests in the state for four days to detect the presence of ammonium and formalin in 9 samples. Notices were issued to 53 people.
The chemical was present in samples collected from Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Malappuram districts. Fish imported from other states started being checked at check posts. Food Security Asst. A special team led by the commissioners was appointed. The raid also began to detect adulteration in other food items.
Samples were sent to labs in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode for further testing. Food Safety Commissioner VR Vinod said that if found guilty of selling adulterated food items, he would be jailed for up to five years and fined up to Rs 5 lakh.
3632 kg of fish were destroyed
Out of 1766 tests conducted in the state, 1002 samples were collected and sent for testing. 3632 kg of damaged fish were destroyed. According to ‘Operation Fish’, 1706.88 kg of stale and chemically contaminated fish was seized yesterday. 809 samples were sent for testing.
The reason for the extension of the inspection was the death of cats following eating fish waste in the Idukki Nedunkandam suspension bridge area and the complaint that the housewife who ate the fish was unwell.
‘Strict action will be taken once morest those who sell chemicals mixed in fish. Under the leadership of the Food Safety Department, a campaign was launched under the auspices of the Food Safety Department to find adulteration. – Minister Veena George
Identify good fish
(Food Department Guidelines)
∙ Good fish have a natural glow and no odor
Meat is guaranteed.
It is a juicy fish if it sinks when pressed lightly and remains in the same position
Good fish have bright eyes that do not change color.
Disturbed or red eyes are a sign of juicy fish.
∙ The cheek flowers of good fish are red. Older fish have brown or dark cheek flowers
Complain
If you have a complaint regarding adulteration of food items, you can call the toll free number 1800 425 1125.
English Summary: Amonium and Formalin presence in fish
