Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 21: The Department of Food Safety along with the coordination of officials of the Department of Fisheries has conducted a surprise inspection at all fish markets across the district to detect the presence of harmful chemicals such as formalin and ammonia being used as preservatives.
During the inspections, the officers carefully checked the fish sold at every market and found that the fishes being sold looked safe and normal.
The Food Safety Officers, in order to ensure full compliance, collected fish samples from different markets and were sent to a NABL-accredited and FSSAI-approved laboratory, maintaining the proper cold chain, for scientific testing. The analytical reports from the laboratory have been received and the results confirmed that no harmful chemicals, such as formalin or ammonia, were detected in the fish samples.
The Food Safety Department conducts inspections and testing of fish and fish products regularly. Earlier, during the month of March, 2026, the department along with Department of Fisheries conducted such drives at major fish markets in the town. Fishes at the market were tested using Rapid Fish Testing kits developed by ICAR-CIFT to detect the presence of chemical preservatives like ammonia and formalin. A total of 323 Nos. of fish samples were tested at Mohanpura, Junglighat, Shadipur and Bathubasti fish markets and all those fishes were found free from formalin and ammonia. The Food Safety Officers also sensitized the fish vendors of the markets regarding the ill effects of chemical preservatives on human health and legal repercussion under the Act. The Food Safety Department is committed to ensure safe and hygienic food to Islanders and keeping a strict vigil on the food articles sold in the market.
The Commissioner Food Safety, A&N Islands/Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman requested the general public to inform the authorities, if any irregularities noticed by them over phone No. 236112 or District Office control room toll free No. 1070.