Formalin in fish: Commissioner of Food Safety says those responsible will be taken to task as per law

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 12, 2023

Commissioner of Food Safety RM Kurbah on Monday said that the law will take its own course against the recent detection of formalin in fishes imported from outside the state.

Addressing media persons here, Kurbah said once FIR is registered, due course of law will follow and the Court will decide on the sentence.

When asked, Kurbah said that instituting an inquiry into the matter is a policy matter which has to be decided by the state government.

“We are the enforcement agency of the government and whatever policy has to be made will be made by the government but we will be submitting our report,” she said.

She added, “That is why there is a very strong law for that as food safety standards have strictly banned the use of formalin (in food products) and they have given a very strong sentence if found to be at the end of the investigation. For that, what you say is true and whoever has done this will be taken to task in due process of the law.”

The government had recently banned the sale of imported fresh fish for a period of 15 days, after 30 out of 42 samples of fish were tested positive for formalin which is an unpermitted preservative.

The commissioner also informed that whatever fishes that are imported from outside the state will be tested before being allowed to be sold in the local market.

The Commissioner of Food Safety further informed that there has been no violation of the ban imposed by the government on the sale of fish. “I thank the fish sellers for showing support although we know it is affecting their livelihood.”

Meanwhile, Food Analyst and Biologist Wandamika also highlighted the danger of formalin present in the food products.

“As per the Food Safety Standards Regulation 2011 it clearly states that the presence of formalin in any food product specially fish is not permitted. It is also stated as a human carcinogenic. It also stated that consumption of 30ml or 37% of formalin at one go can cause even death in a person. I am not saying that they are keeping that amount in a fish but consumption of fish on a daily basis can lead to accumulation of formalin in your body which might lead to serious diseases,” she said.