PANAJI: The Goa Government has said that none of the fish samples tested so far have been found to contain added formaldehyde, as authorities continue regular surveillance of fish entering and being sold across the state.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar provided the information in a written reply to an unstarred question raised by MLA Premendra Shet on fish trading in Goa.
According to the government, the Quality Council of India (QCI) has been conducting round-the-clock checks on fish-laden vehicles entering Goa through the notified border points at Pollem and Patradevi. Surveillance at these locations began in 2019, while checks at the Margao Wholesale Fish Market started in July 2020.
The government said Food Safety Officers regularly collect fish samples from markets to check for adulterants, including formalin and artificial colour. The samples are analysed at FDA laboratories, while some are also sent to FSSAI-approved third-party laboratories for testing.
As per the Assembly reply, 40,343 samples were collected at Pollem, 41,118 at Patradevi, and 1,61,647 samples at the Margao Wholesale Fish Market. Another 1,215 samples were collected during surprise inspections at various fish markets across Goa.
The Fisheries Department also said the Food Laboratory at Bambolim is equipped with sophisticated technology, including GC-MS, to test parameters such as added colour and formaldehyde.
On the issue of fish prices, the department said 13 Mobile Fish Stalls/Matsya Vahini outlets are currently being operated through fisheries cooperatives, self-help groups and individuals. A government committee has also been formed to examine measures to make fish available to consumers at reasonable prices.
The department further stated that fish export figures are based on data provided by MPEDA, and may include fish imported from other states and subsequently exported from Goa.
However, the government acknowledged that it does not have data on the quantity of fish imported from other states specifically for local consumption in Goa.
