Manipur bans sale of poor quality canned fish

The Manipur government has banned the sale of a canned fish manufactured in Karnataka and mineral water bottles manufactured in Thoubal district, Manipur under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Ram Muivah, the Commissioner of Food Safety, issued the orders.

Officials said there was no manufacturing date on the cans. The fish was often found to be rotten and the can full of fungus. A Karnataka company has been marketing these products in Manipur through an agent here.

The Commissioner said the sale of ‘S packaged drinking water’ was banned since it was of poor quality and posed a health hazard.

Canned fish, mineral water bottle banned in Manipur

Imphal, April 4, 2013: The Manipur government has banned the sale of a canned fish manufactured in Karnataka and a “mineral water” bottle manufactured in Manipur. The ban order was issued by Ram Muivah, the Commissioner of Food Safety in accordance with the existing law.
The Karnataka company produces the Sea Cherry Mackerels, a canned fish. There is a sole agent in Manipur. However, there have been complaints from many sections of consumers about the safety of this canned fish. Because there is no manufacturing date and other trade details required by the law governing the consumer items.
It was alleged that in many cases the fish and gravy were found to be putrid and foul smelling. Besides there were fungus inside the cans. Though there have been complaints, the company and the agent were not interested.
It is reported that the canned fish of this particular brand is injurious to health. The government also found that the mineral water bottle manufactured at Yairipok in Thoubal district of Manipur is sub standard and is violative of the Act.
The samples of the water were analyzed in laboratory. The government notification says that the sale and consumption of these two edible items are banned. Anyone violating the government notification is punishable under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.