Jul 12, 2018
Soon, formal test kits to hit markets in Andhra Pradesh
Soon, formal test kits to hit markets Soon, formal test kits to hit markets Soon, formal test kits to hit markets Soon, formal test kits to hit
VISAKHAPATNAM: Test kits, developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), for detection of formalin and ammonia contamination in fish, will be commercially produced soon. Finding that there is increasing use of formalin in the freshwater fish sent from Andhra Pradesh to northeastern states of India, a joint team of Food Safety department, Animal Husbandry department and the Fisheries department has been inspecting freshwater fishing areas to certify the stock using the kit.
The technology has been licensed to the Mumbai-based HiMedia Laboratories Private Limited and the formal exchange of the MoU was held at a ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, recently. The development of the detection kit was in response to the needs of the ordinary fish consumers to detect contaminants and allay their apprehensions.
Since it takes three-four days for fish exports to reach destination and the fish don’t get contaminated in transit, traders use formalin for a longer shelf-life. As the unsuspecting consumers buy the fish, they are affected by digestive and cancer problems. “With this formalin test kit, consumers or even the public can check the formalin content. The strip when rubbed on fish changes colour it is detected to contain formalin. The kit with around 25 strips is `3 at our level but the price may change when it is commercially produced.
The production will start in 15 days,” said Raghu Prakash, the scientist incharge of the CIFT.
Finding that formalin fish are exported to North India, the state government has made it a point to check the formalin content in fishes and stamp them before exporting. With majority of the freshwater fish in AP is exported from West Godavari and Krishna districts, two teams haver been constituted in the two districts with fisheries officials, food inspector and veterinary assistant surgeon in each team. “The teams will go to the packing areas and test the fishes.
More than 4 per cent PPM (parts per million) will change the colour, indicating the presence of formalin,” said P Koteswara Rao, the incharge joint director of Fisheries. The checks have started in the two districts. The main aim is to see that freshwater fish exported from the AP should not have more than the permitted formalin.
“Daily inspection report will be submitted and the box will be stamped for certification before being exported. The traders who use formalin in fish for exports will be booked under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI),” Koteswara Rao told TNIE.
Further, there are also reports on adulteration of seafood in the state. With around 500 landing centres, including major and minor ones, and four fishing harbours in the state, the department plans to get samples from the landing centres and check the fish for quality standards.
Rotten food items found at 2 clubs
Health officials at a food establishment in Amritsar on Wednesday.
Amritsar, July 11
A team of health officials conducted a surprise check at three private clubs in the city on Wednesday. Two of the clubs were found using rotten eatables following which a huge quantity of items, including rotten chicken, were destroyed.
District Health Officer Dr Lakhbir Singh Bhagowalia said substandard food items were found at Lumsden Club and Heritage Club. Besides, the managements could not produce the mandatory licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The clubs have been operating without a licence which is against the FSSA norms. The department has issued a notice to them to get the licence within seven days and resolve all discrepancies within the stipulated time. “We will be conducting a follow up inspection after seven days and if no improvement is found, action as per law will be taken,” he said.
He added the condition at Amritsar Club was comparatively better and they also produced a valid FSSA licence.
Health officials said condition of kitchens was unhygienic and below normal standards. The clubs could not produce medical certificates of cooks and other staff. As per the law, the food businesses are required to get their staff medically examined for communicable diseases and ensure that all workers are fit and healthy.
Dr Baghowalia said none of the workers at any club wore head covers and gloves. The department has also asked the clubs to display and follow 12 golden rules for hygiene and cleanliness as listed by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kamaldeep Singh Sangha has also called a meeting of hoteliers and restaurants, including private clubs, for Friday to ask them to follow all food safety instructions under the ongoing ‘Tandrust Punjab’ mission.
Ban on sale of fresh fish products
Hailakandi, July 11: District Magistrate, Hailakandi, Adil Khan has directed the Food Safety Officer Surat Zamman Choudhury to initiate legal action against fish vendors selling fresh fish products including crustaceans treated with formalin considered to be highly toxic and health hazard.
In an order issued to this effect here today, District Magistrate Khan asked the Food Safety Officer to inspect the markets and other places to verify the sale of fresh fish products, including crustaceans laced with formalin and to take firm legal action against the fish vendors under the provisions of Food Safety Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Addictives) Regulations 2011.
Khan asked the Food Safety Officer to take along with him the District Fisheries Development Officer and seek the help of the Officer-in-Charge of concerned Police Station to enforce the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 against storage, distribution and sale of fresh fish, including crustaceans brought from outside the State. The District Magistrate asked the Circle Officers to provide the officials necessary logistics and other support in enforcing the regulations. The order comes into force with immediate effect.
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