Bhubaneswar, July 13 : Cancer-causing chemical formalin was found in fish stocks available in the markets here, an official said on Friday.
Traces of cancer-causing formalin were found in Pomfret fish samples, collected from the Unit-IV fish market in Bhubaneswar, said Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department Secretary Vishal Gagan.
A 12-member team from the department collected samples of around nine varieties of fish including marine, freshwater, and brackish water from the market and Chilika Fresh outlets -- fish retailers -- on Friday.
While formalin content was found in Pomfret fish samples, Gagan said the entire stock will be destroyed if more fish tested positive.
After the Assam government banned the import of fish from Andhra Pradesh, the Odisha government on Thursday issued directions to examine the quality of fish being imported from Andhra Pradesh to detect the presence of formalin.
Formalin, a cancer-inducing chemical, is used to keep dead fish fresh and enhance their storage life.
Gagan also informed that a committee under the District Collectors will be formed to ensure that no prohibitory substances are used to preserve the stock.
"As only one out of nine samples has tested positive, we are now concentrating on collecting information from various parts of the state and will take an appropriate decision regarding a ban on fish imports," he said.
Verification samples at different fish markets in urban and rural areas will be taken up in order to prevent the sale of adulterated fish.
Odisha mostly depends on Andhra Pradesh to meet its demand for fish. Last year, the total fish production in Odisha was around 6.5 lakh tonne.
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Mumbai: A video featuring Rohit Sharma in conversation with former Mumbai Indians coach Zaheer Khan has gone viral, stirring controversy ahead of Mumbai Indians' IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants. The footage, shared by Mumbai Indians on social media, shows Rohit saying, “Jo jab karna tha maine kiya barabar se, ab mereko kuch karne ki zarurat nahi hai” (Whatever had to be done, I did it properly, now I don't need to do anything).
The clip quickly drew comparisons to a similar controversy in IPL 2024 when Rohit was seen speaking with Kolkata Knight Riders' assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, allegedly discussing internal matters of Mumbai Indians. That video was later taken down by KKR’s social media team.
🚨Selfish Greedy Rohit Sharma got exposed again. Last year he was talking with Abhishek Nair now with EX MI Bowling coach Zaheer Khan.
— Vikass (@183_ViratKohli) April 3, 2025
“Mujhe jo karna tha maine tab barabar se kiya, ab mereko koi jarurat nhi” (probably about his batting for MI)
MI deleted this video 👇👇 https://t.co/4eGkuqLj5r pic.twitter.com/169Nm287kW
Adding to the intrigue, Rishabh Pant was seen approaching Rohit and sharing a hug during the conversation. Fans have speculated on the significance of the remarks, with debates intensifying online.
As Mumbai Indians prepare to face Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Stadium, Rohit’s on-field form remains a concern. The veteran batsman has managed only 21 runs in three innings so far this season. However, the team gained momentum with a win against Kolkata Knight Riders, fueled by strong performances from Suryakumar Yadav and Ryan Rickelton.
Lucknow Super Giants, boasting a 5-1 head-to-head record against MI, will rely on Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh to maintain their dominance. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, struggling for runs, will be under scrutiny as both teams aim for a crucial victory.