Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 August 2024
In a proactive effort to ensure public health and safety, the Food Safety Department conducted a special drive during the second week of August 2024 to detect the presence of harmful chemical preservatives in fish sold across the markets of South Andaman District.
Concerns have been growing nationwide over the use of dangerous chemicals such as formalin and ammonia as preservatives in fish to extend shelf life. In response to these reports, the South Andaman Food Safety Department undertook a rigorous testing campaign using advanced field kits developed by the Central Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi.
The results of the drive were reassuring. At Mohanpura Market, tests were conducted on 15 different varieties of fish, all of which were found to be free from harmful chemical preservatives. Similarly, 18 varieties of fish at Junglighat Fish Market, nine at Haddo, and 17 at Bathubasti Fish Market were all declared safe, with no traces of formalin or ammonia detected.
The drive also extended to various local fish hawkers in the areas of Nayagaon, Dignabad, Garacharma, and Jodakilan, where 21 samples were tested. In all cases, the results were negative for harmful chemicals, indicating that the fish being sold in these areas are safe for consumption.
Following the successful operation, the Commissioner of Food Safety and Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman District, has issued a stern directive to all fish vendors, warning them to refrain from using any harmful chemicals for fish preservation. The Commissioner also announced that similar drives will be conducted in the coming days, in collaboration with the Fisheries Department, A & N Administration. Any vendors found using chemical preservatives will face stringent punishment under the provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act, along with its associated rules and regulations.
This initiative underscores the commitment of the Food Safety Department to safeguarding the health of the residents of South Andaman and maintaining the integrity of its food markets.