Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SR)

Panaji, Apr 6: Recently, Goa and Assam detected formalin in fish supplies and have banned entry of fish from other states past their borders. Though it is banned, Goans are still anxious to eat fish because of the uncertainty of formalin usage in it.

Regarding this matter, Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco recently questioned the state government about the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) and Quality Council of India (QCI) that health minister Vishwajit Rane had promised to set up.

Lourenco asked chief minister Pramod Sawant about his stand on the sale of formalin-laced fish and the steps taken by the BJP-led coalition government to ensure that fresh, unadulterated seafood is sold in Goan markets.

“The government had promised to set up Quality Council of India laboratories at North Goa’s Patradevi and at South Goa’s Pollem borders. What is the status on the laboratories?” Lourenco aked.

In October, Union commerce minister Suresh Prabhu also ensured that a 'world-class laboratory' will be set up to test food quality in Goa.

Given the implications, even those who know about the risks involved with formalin use are chary of speaking about it. Lourence said that since July 2018 after formalin was discovered in fish imported from other states by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) team, authorities has not taken it as a serious issue. “When will the day come when Goans can eat fish without fear?” he asked.