Formalin in fish: Govt warns of stern action against suppliers

SHILLONG, AUG 2: With the ban on import and sale of fish coming from outside is on, the state government has asked officials of the department concerned to find out the source of such fish tested positive of formalin, for necessary action.

Informing this here on Thursday, Minister in-charge of Fisheries Comingone Ymbon told reporters that he had directed his officials to also find out the source which is supplying formalin-laced fish to the state.

“After this, we will take a call because action has to be taken as it concerns the health and well being of the people of the state,” he said.

The minister said that the instruction was issued after the fish traders especially those from Andhra Pradesh have categorically denied of using such hazardous chemicals like formalin.

On July 23, the Meghalaya government had imposed a fifteen days ban on the import and sale of fish brought from outside the state after reports indicated traces of cancer causing chemical ‘formalin’.

Asked, Ymbon said a review meeting will be called before the government decides to lift the ban.

“I have asked the officials to start preparing a detailed report on the matter. Even if we decide to lift the ban, we will still continue to conduct test on the fish,” he said.

The minister said that the people should not have any fear in consuming local fish as reports have indicated they are safe and free of any chemical preservatives adding if there is any prohibition on the sale of local fish the department will take necessary action.

On the Aqua culture mission, Ymbon said that the local fish production has increased to 8,000 metric tons since the launch of the missionadding however the state is still depending up to 21,000 metric tons of fish from outside the state.

He informed from the 25,000 fish ponds targeted under the mission, so far 17,000 have been constructed and implemented. “However, around 7,000 plus applications are still lying pending with the bank for clearance,” he said.

According to the minister, 60 per cent is the subsidy from the state government while 25 per cent is the loan component and 15 per cent own contribution.

By Our Reporter