GOVERNMENT OF MEGHALAYA
DIRECTORATE OF FISHERIES::SHILLONG
General Public Information and Advisory
Formalin is a solution of about 37% formaldehyde which is used as disinfectant, preservative for household products and animal tissues.
Formaldehyde is not permitted for use in foods as per Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011.
The underlying motive of using formalin on fish (either as a dip or through ice laced/or made with formalin as an ingredient) is:
to extend the storage life of fresh or chilled fish
to artificially improve the sensory attributes i.e. appearance, so as to give a facade of fresh fish.
Ingesting large amounts of formaldehyde can generally cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, coma, renal injury and possible death.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of WHO classifies formaldehyde as "carcinogenic to humans", with sufficient evidence for causing nasopharyngeal cancer in humans.
In most cases, dishonest traders use formaldehyde to prevent spoilage and keep fish marketable condition.
Advisory to Consumers.
Consumers should wash fish thoroughly with running tap water, as formaldehyde is soluble in water.
Cook fish thoroughly to an internal temperature of 75°C or above, as heat from cooking can also aid the removal of formaldehyde.
Consumers can check the fish for adulteration using rapid detection kit “CIFT Test" developed by ICAR-CIFT. The method is simple, rapid, and consumer friendly, detects only the added formaldehyde present in the fish.
Advisory to local fish traders and retailers.
The source of fish should be from credible sources.
Traders/retailers should refrain from using any un-approved chemical/additive, including formalin during any stage of storage, transport or supply.
Do not add formaldehyde to food in general, and fish in particular
If formalin is added intentionally or unintentionally due to lack of awareness, it is illegal and punishable.
Ensure that cold chain or proper icing is practiced while t
*Meghalaya TMC slams the NPP-led MDA Government over casinos and unbound betting*
*"Huge loss to the youth of the state: we are speaking up for the removal of the law altogether", says TMC MLA George*
Today, at Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya TMC MLA George B Lyngdoh was present during the protest organised by Meghalaya People Social Organisation, Garo Students Union and Ri Bhoi Youth Organisation unitedly, against the legalisation of casinos and the Meghalaya Gaming Act in the state. Showing concern for their cause, the TMC MLA said, “The Meghalaya Gaming Act consists of three points: legalisation of casinos, online gambling, and online betting in sports like cricket, football and others. We are not only opposing the casinos, but also speaking up for the removal of the law altogether.”
http://shillongtoday.com/
http://shillongtoday.com/
