Formaldehyde issue puts FSSAI in a spot

Panaji: Stating that permissible limits of naturally occurring formaldehyde were not available, the assistant director of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), told the high court of Bombay at Goa that a scientific panel would examine the issue of “setting permissible limits of naturally occurring formaldehyde in fish and fish products”. 

The authority, in its affidavit responding to three petitions over the formalin in fish issue, put the onus on the state government by stating that enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, and Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011, primarily lay with the state.

The advocate representing the FSSAI told the court that the authority had already given all states a guidance note on formalin. The FSSAI further stated that it has been issuing advisories and directions to all states from time to time for effective and rigorous enforcement. It maintained that it was up to officials of the food safety department of each state to check compliance of standards laid down under the prevalent acts and regulations.

Justice N M Jamdar told the advocate representing the FSSAI that the court had sought the authority’s say in the matter considering that it was an expert body. Stating that the court had expected the FSSAI to apply its mind in the matter, Jamdar said it “cannot simply reproduce the act” (in its affidavit). He added that while the state may be the implementing authority, the central authority is “still the apex body”. 

The issue saw yet another citizen, Sanjeev Raiturcar, file a petition in the formalin in fish issue. Raiturcar has prayed for directions to close down the wholesale fish market at Madel, Margao, and reopen it only once the municipality provided all the necessary infrastructure of drainage, toilets etc. and after consent from the relevant authorities including the Goa State Pollution Control Board was obtained.

The petitioner has also prayed for directions to stop sewage and drainage of toxic water into the Sal and adjoining fields.