SHILLONG, June 29: The Meghalaya government has decided to set up a permanent testing centre at Khlieh Iewduh for testing fish procured from outside the state.
Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, DBS Mukhim on Thursday said training would be provided to the staff of the Fisheries Department at the centre for carrying out spot testing.
She further said that imported fish would be tested twice a day at 7 am and at 1.30 pm by the testing staff who would be issued ID cards.
“The IDs can help the fish wholesalers easily identify the people who have been authorised to do the testing,” the official said.
The fish traders would be immediately informed if formalin is found in any of the samples. The consignment that tests positive for formalin would have to be buried and not allowed to be returned, she said.
“The wholesaler concerned will need to video graph to show as evidence that the fish consignment has been disposed of,” Mukhim said, adding that the fish safe for consumption would be certified.
But she said she would not be able to vouch for the accuracy of spot testing.
“As a technical person, I can only say that most of the results of spot testing are confirmed when retested in the laboratory. This proves that the spot testing is very effective,” she said.
She said the department is working closely with the fish traders’ association to ensure that the fish being sold in the market are safe for consumption.
She also said consumers can meet at her office in the MUDA complex if they have any grievances or complaints.
