Fish samples in Chennai test positive for formalin
CHENNAI : As many as 11 out of 30 samples of fish species purchased from Chinthadripet and Kasimedu, the two major fish markets in Chennai, on two different days, have tested positive for formalin, a cancer-inducing chemical used illegally to preserve fish.
The fish were tested by scientists of the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University exclusively for The Hindu.
A low-cost formalin detection kit developed by researchers of the State-run university was used to test the samples purchased by The Hindu for ascertaining if they contained the carcinogen that is used widely as a preservative and disinfectant.
The tests were conducted on July 4 and July 8, the days when the fish were purchased.
Only one of 13 samples of fish purchased last Wednesday from the Chinthadripet, Velachery and Neelankarai markets tested positive at the university’s referral laboratory in Madhavaram.
However on Sunday as many as 10 of the 17 fish samples purchased from Chinthadripet and Kasimedu markets tested positive for the carcinogen, causing alarm.
Formalin causes irritation in the eyes, throat, skin and stomach. In the long run continued exposure causes harm to the kidneys, liver and can even cause cancers.
This is the first time samples of fish in Tamil Nadu have tested positive for formalin.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials have been undertaking tests at fish markets and harbours across the State to test for formalin following a scare in neighbouring Kerala that fish sourced from here were chemically contaminated.
Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar said use of formalin as a preservative cannot be allowed at any cost. He said tests had been conducted in Thoothukudi and other places based on information received by the department but none of those samples had any formalin.
Samples to be lifted
“Since The Hindu has brought the [Chennai] test results to our notice, we will lift samples [from fish markets] and conduct tests. We will not hesitate to take strict action against those indulging in such acts,” Mr Jayakumar said.
Both big and small lizard fish or panna or kezhanga and paarai (Malabar trevally) were found to have formalin content of above 20 ppm (parts per million). Other varieties such as sura, octopus, eri vavvaal, ottu kanava, peikanava and kelithi had formalin of around 5 ppm.
For the test, a two gram piece of meat from the fish was taken and put inside four ml of diluent and shaken so that the formalin will get into it. Then this diluent was poured into the bottle containing the reagent that turned yellow revealing that it had tested positive.
“It is a very sensitive reagent and can detect up to 0.5 milligram per kilo. The actual test takes only 10 minutes,” explained Felix, Vice Chancellor of the University.
Fish industry experts said that formalin or formaldehyde is sprayed on the fish or injected into the fish or the fish is dipped into the solution. This helps keep the fish fresh for a longer time. Usually people who buy fish check the gills for freshness, if it is red it denotes freshness, when formalin is used the gills remain red for longer periods. In some cases, fishermen also apply kumkum to retain redness.
courtesy : thehindu.com
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
