Posing a serious threat to the public, a huge quantity of stale and chemical-laced fish is being sold in Kerala. As fish is taken in vehicles without a freezer facility, chemicals are used as preservative.
Fish from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha and Goa reach Kerala market days after despatch. The food safety department officials destroyed over 1000 kg of fish which were found stale and adulterated during inspections. Formalin, Sodium Benzoate and Silver Hydrogen Peroxide are the chemicals suspected to be used on fish. As the government was not keen on conducting inspections for more than a year, a huge amount of chemical-laced fish was taken to Kerala regularly.
Earlier, the food safety department actively conducted inspections at check-posts. “With summer, Kerala witnessed a fall in fish production. Hence, a huge quantity of fish is being transported to Kerala from other states,” said fish vendors. Usually, formalin is used on fish as preservative. It is also suspected that water mixed with Silver Hydrogen Peroxide is sprayed on fish to extend their shelf life. Sodium Benzoate is used to keep the fish fresh and avoid dangerous bacteria. Though there are restrictions on the use of this chemical, most fish vendors do not follow it. Tips to identify rotten fish
The gills of fresh fish look red in colour and natural shape. Compared to stale fish, the skin of fresh fish will have a natural metallic glow. Eyes should be bulging and shiny. Fresh fish will not have a bad smell.
If the fish is fresh, its skin will remain tight when we press on it. Rotten fish skin will not