HC seeks replies from state central agencies

  • | Wednesday | 8th August, 2018

He also stated that according to WHO’s international agency for research on cancer, formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic to humans. Using formalin in fish is prohibited, he said, adding that formaldehyde is naturally present in marine fish like mackerels and Bombay ducks, but not in freshwater fish.The petitions prayed for a technical committee to establish the harmful effects of formalin and place a ban on fish export. He argued for the establishment of mobile laboratories in markets.When Justice Shantanu Kemkar asked whether there is any mention on the upper limit, the advocate said in the negative.Advocate general Dattaprasad Lawande said FDA officials have been posted at checkposts to monitor incoming fish. PANAJI: The high court of Bombay at Goa sought replies from state and central government authorities within two weeks in two petitions raising concern over use of formalin in fish.The HC has issued notices to the state of Goa, food and drugs administration, directorate of fisheries and food and safety standards authority of India (FSSAI) in two petitions filed by citizens Shivraj Kamat Tarcar and Vithal Naik.Demanding a judicial inquiry into the July 12 formalin in fish incident, advocate Preetam Talaulikar arguing for Tarcar told the court that the FDA initially came on record to say that there was presence of formalin and later, in the evening, changed their statement to say the chemical was present within permissible limits. “The whole case is, what is the permissible limit of formalin?” he asked.Talaulikar also referred to the raid conducted by FDA officials at the Margao market and subsequent statement of TCP minister Vijai Sardesai that he had already spoken to the FDA officer and that there was no harm to people’s lives.“My contention is that there was interference by the TCP minister, who is unconnected with food and drugs operations,” Talaulikar said, adding that it was a serious issue as formalin is used to preserve bodies.Advocate Nikhil Pai, who was representing Naik, said that according to the FSSAI’s guidance note on the issue of formalin in fish, the chemical is used to extend the storage life of fish and causes health conditions, including vomiting.

PANAJI: The high court of Bombay at Goa sought replies from state and central government authorities within two weeks in two petitions raising concern over use of formalin in fish.The HC has issued notices to the state of Goa, food and drugs administration, directorate of fisheries and food and safety standards authority of India (FSSAI) in two petitions filed by citizens Shivraj Kamat Tarcar and Vithal Naik.Demanding a judicial inquiry into the July 12 formalin in fish incident, advocate Preetam Talaulikar arguing for Tarcar told the court that the FDA initially came on record to say that there was presence of formalin and later, in the evening, changed their statement to say the chemical was present within permissible limits. “The whole case is, what is the permissible limit of formalin?” he asked.Talaulikar also referred to the raid conducted by FDA officials at the Margao market and subsequent statement of TCP minister Vijai Sardesai that he had already spoken to the FDA officer and that there was no harm to people’s lives.“My contention is that there was interference by the TCP minister, who is unconnected with food and drugs operations,” Talaulikar said, adding that it was a serious issue as formalin is used to preserve bodies.Advocate Nikhil Pai, who was representing Naik, said that according to the FSSAI’s guidance note on the issue of formalin in fish, the chemical is used to extend the storage life of fish and causes health conditions, including vomiting. He also stated that according to WHO’s international agency for research on cancer, formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic to humans. He argued for the establishment of mobile laboratories in markets.When Justice Shantanu Kemkar asked whether there is any mention on the upper limit, the advocate said in the negative.Advocate general Dattaprasad Lawande said FDA officials have been posted at checkposts to monitor incoming fish. Using formalin in fish is prohibited, he said, adding that formaldehyde is naturally present in marine fish like mackerels and Bombay ducks, but not in freshwater fish.The petitions prayed for a technical committee to establish the harmful effects of formalin and place a ban on fish export.

If You Like This Story, Support NYOOOZ

NYOOOZ SUPPORTER

NYOOOZ FRIEND

Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.


Stay updated with all the Latest Goa headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.

Related Articles