Sri Vijaya Puram, October 21: The Department of Food Safety, in coordination with officials of the Department of Fisheries, conducted surprise inspections at all fish markets across the district to detect the presence of harmful chemicals such as formalin and ammonia being used as preservatives.
During the inspections, the officers carefully checked the fish sold at every market and found that the fish being sold looked safe and normal.
To ensure full compliance, the Food Safety Officers collected fish samples from different markets, which were sent to a NABL-accredited and FSSAI-approved laboratory, maintaining the proper cold chain, for scientific testing. The analytical reports from the laboratory have been received, and the results confirmed that no harmful chemicals, such as formalin or ammonia, were detected in the fish samples.
The Food Safety Department conducts inspections and testing of fish and fish products regularly. Earlier, in March 2026, the department, along with the Department of Fisheries, conducted such drives at major fish markets in the town. Fish at the markets were tested using Rapid Fish Testing kits developed by ICAR-CIFT to detect the presence of chemical preservatives like ammonia and formalin. A total of 323 fish samples were tested at the Mohanpura, Junglighat, Shadipur and Bathubasti fish markets, and all were found free from formalin and ammonia.
The Food Safety Officers also sensitised the fish vendors of the markets regarding the ill effects of chemical preservatives on human health and the legal repercussions under the Act. The Food Safety Department is committed to ensuring safe and hygienic food for Islanders and is keeping a strict vigil on the food articles sold in the market.
The Commissioner of Food Safety, A&N Islands/Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, requested the general public to inform the authorities of any irregularities noticed by them on phone No. 236112 or the District Office control room toll-free No. 1070, a press release from the Joint Commissioner (Food Safety), A&N Islands, said.
