DHAKA: Indian state Tripura’s government stopped fish import from Bangladesh after traces of formalin were found in the samples collected from different markets of Agartala.
“The preservative, formalin or formaldehyde, mixed with water and used for preservation of biological specimens, was found in six samples drawn from fish imported from Bangladesh,” said Tripura’s Health and Revenue Minister Badal Choudhury.
“The chemical is dangerous for human consumption. Fish import will remain stopped from Bangladesh through its seven Land Customs Stations (LCSs), except for the Agartala-Akhaura ICP.
“Health officials have been asked to take stringent legal action against those using formalin and other illegal preservatives,” the minister told IANS.
The seven LCSs are in Agartala, Srimantapur, Khowaighat (western Tripura), Kamalpur, Old Raghnabazar (northern Tripura), Belonia and Sabroom (in southern Tripura).
Agartala-Akhaura ICP is the second-largest trading point along the India-Bangladesh border after Petrapole-Benapole land border in West Bengal.
“Since no adequate infrastructure and manpower is available at the seven LCSs, import of fish through these border points would be risky,” he said.
Formalin, a poisonous and anti-decomposition chemical agent, is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant and preservative in various items.
The minister said food safety officers are collecting samples randomly from markets and getting them tested at laboratories.
“Informal trade leads to supply of imported fish which are a health hazard,” said Dr Chandan Sarkar, working at the government-run GB Panth Hospital.
