Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh launched a handy kit to check adulterants in fresh fish in Delhi on Tuesday. To increase the shelf life of fish-two dangerous chemicals- Ammonia and formaldehyde are used. These are capable of creating health hazards.
The tool has been developed by Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi.
Ammonia helps in preventing ice from melting and use of formaldehyde increases the shelf life of fish therefore many people in the fisheries sector are using these chemicals. The kit helps in detecting both the chemicals in the fish.
Continuous ingestion of ammonia and formaldehyde can lead to many health issues including abdominal pain, vomiting, unconsciousness, and sometimes even cause death.
But since fresh fish is highly perishable in nature India’s domestic fish market is reported to be selling formaldehyde-adulterated fish, especially in markets located far away from landing centres or production sites.
According to experts fresh fish should be preserved only by means of ice and use of substances other than ice to maintain quality is a fraudulent practice.
Union Agriculture Minister said that continuous monitoring of these contaminants in a laboratory is time-consuming and requires expertise but this kit is a ready-reckoner.
