Odisha to probe presence of cancer-causing Formalin in fish imported from Andhra

Bhubaneswar: Close on the heels of Assam banning fish imports due to presence of cancer inducing chemical 'Formalin' in fish, the Odisha government on Thursday directed probe  into the quality of fish being supplied to the state from neighboring Andhra Pradesh.

Formalin is reported to be frequently added as preservative either by dipping or spraying to the fresh fishes by the fish traders  to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.

“After coming to know that such dangerous chemical substances are being used by fish dealers in Andhra Pradesh to preserve fish for a longer time, I have asked the Secretary of Fisheries Directorate to look into the matter and with the help of experts, investigate on the quality of fish being imported to Odisha,” Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy said

It may be noted that the Assam government on Wednesday banned import and sale of fish imported from Andhra Pradesh and other states for a period of 10 days after some samples were found laced with formalin.The presence of formalin content in the fish came to notice after the laboratory test carried out by the state health department.