Formalin use prompts ban on fish import

SHILLONG, June 8: The state government on Thursday imposed a ban on import of fish and crustaceans from outside the state for a period of 15 days.
Commissioner of Food Safety, Rosetta Mary Kurbah issued the order after 30 samples out of 40 samples of fish tested positive for formalin as per the analysis reports from the Assistant Food Analyst, dated June 6.
More samples are being tested at the state food laboratory here.
Formalin is derived from formaldehyde which is a known cancer-causing agent. It is used to preserve bodies in mortuaries. It can also increase shelf life of fresh food including fish.
Formalin can cause nausea, coughing and burning sensation in eyes, nose and throat and can also cause cancer if consumed over a long period of time.
“The storage, distribution or sale of imported fresh fish or crustaceans brought from outside the state is hereby prohibited for a period of 15 days in the interest of public health or till corrective measures are taken with effect from the date of issue of this notification,” the order said.
“Non-compliance to this notification will attract imprisonment upto seven years and fine of Rs 10 lakh,” the order said.