DK, Udupi fish safe to consume, no formalin used

Mangaluru, 26 Jun 2018 [Fik/News Sources]: For the past few days, there have been videos and posts being circulated on social media about fish preserved with formalin (solution of water and formaldehyde) being sold in stores. The posts enumerated the dangers involved with the consumption of such contaminated fish. It was even reported that there were raids being carried out in parts of Kerala where officials found fish that did test positive for formalin.

The Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Cooperative Fish Marketing Federation has now come out to calm the fears of Mangalureans, clarifying that there is no cause for concern as the incident has nothing to do with the women who sell fish in the city.

The president of the federation, Yashpal Suvarna assured the people of the city that the fish was safe to consume and that they could continue to buy from the fish vendors.

He also reminded the people that the women selling the fish have been doing so for a very long time without the use of chemicals and have been an honest link between the fishermen and the consumers.

About the contaminated fish found in Kerala, Suvarna said that food safety officials had indeed seized 6000 kgs of fish preserved with formalin but, these were found in a few malls and shops.

He also asked the government to crack down hard on those using harmful chemicals and to remove the apprehension of the people.