Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 28: It is both distressing and alarming that the recent raid conducted by the Food Safety Department at Junglighat Fish Market has confirmed what the media and concerned citizens have been highlighting for years — formalin-laced fish is indeed making its way to the dining tables of the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite repeated warnings, news reports, and citizen voices, the administration had once issued a rejoinder denying the use of formalin in local fish markets. Yet, this very inspection has proven otherwise. The media, acting in the interest of public health, stands vindicated now.
The confirmation of formalin presence in 4 out of 50 samples is not just a statistical fact, it is a red flag. Formalin is a cancer-causing chemical primarily used as a preservative in laboratories, not on food plates. It is believed that its illegal use to prolong the freshness of fish is an unforgivable crime against public health. Regular consumption of formalin-laden fish can lead to cancer, kidney failure, respiratory issues, and several long-term health complications.
Even if only few fish seller might be using formalin, the people of these islands, who are dependent on fish as a staple part of their diet, are unknowingly being exposed to slow poisoning.
In Andaman fish forms the backbone of the diet for thousands of families and is a major source of protein for locals. In a fragile ecosystem like ours, where supply chains are often dependent on imports and limited cold-chain facilities, the temptation for some fish sellers to resort to such shortcuts has now been exposed. But this cannot be treated as a mere violation — it is an assault on the health of every islander.
What makes the situation worse is the fact that this is not the first time the media raised the alarm. Numerous reports over the years have pointed out the suspicious quality and unnatural appearance of fish available in the markets.
It is high time for the administration to move beyond warnings and awareness programs. This issue needs strict legal enforcement. Those few fish sellers who have been found guilty must face the full force of the Food Safety and Standards Act, and every effort must be made to trace the supply chain of these formalin-laced fish.
Moreover, a complete ban or strict regulation on the import and distribution of formalin in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands must be immediately enforced. Without controlling the entry of this chemical, its illegal usage will only continue underground. Local fish markets must also be routinely and randomly tested, with results made public to rebuild people’s trust.
The people of these islands deserve safe food, not chemical-laden commodities. The administration, now that the truth is out, must act decisively. Anything less will be a betrayal of the health and safety of every islander.
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