Port Blair, Aug 11: A special drive was conducted by the Food Safety Department during the second week of August, 2024 to detect the presence of harmful chemical preservatives in fishes sold in the markets of South Andaman District. In some part of the country, it is reported that chemical preservative like formalin and ammonia are being used as preservatives in fishes for increasing its shelf life. The special drive was conducted with the help of formalin and ammonia testing field kits developed by Central Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi.

At Mohanpura Market, 15 varieties of fishes were tested and all the fishes were found free from chemical preservatives. 18 varieties of fishes were tested at Junglighat Fish Market and all the test reports were found negative. 9 types of fishes were tested at Haddo and 17 varieties of fishes were tested at Bathubasti Fish Market and all the fishes were found free from chemical preservatives.

Similarly, 21 fish samples were tested from various fish hawkers at Nayagaon, Dignabad, Garacharma and Jodakilan area and all fishes were found free from formalin and ammonia.

The Commissioner Food Safety/ Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District has directed all fish vendors to refrain from the use of harmful chemicals for fish preservations. The Commissioner Food Safety further informed that similar drives shall also be organized in coming days jointly with Fisheries Department, A & N Administration and fish vendors, if anyone is found using chemical preservatives in fishes, shall attract stringent punishment under the provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act, Rules & Regulations made there under.