Minister for Health and Food Safety K.K. Shailaja has directed officials to take stern action against chemical contamination of fish imported from other States. Emerging from a meeting with food safety officials here on Tuesday, following the detection of a consignment of shrimp treated with formalin for preservation, she said inspections would be stepped up at all border check-posts and markets under Operation Sagar Rani. The police would be called in to assist officials. The Minister said officials had been directed to register a case if preliminary tests on fish samples detected hazardous chemicals. Prosecution: This would be followed by prosecution after detailed tests. Drivers transporting contaminated fish without proper documents would also face legal action. The entire supply chain would be held accountable. Ms. Shailaja said boats bringing fish from the sea would also be inspected. Registration would be made mandatory for middlemen in the fish trade. Food safety officials would accompany the seized consignment back to the place of origin to ensure that it was properly disposed of. The government would seek a report from the Food Safety Commissioner and officials in the States concerned on the action taken. More than 28,000 kg of contaminated fish were seized from various border check-posts as part of Operation Sagar Rani since June 9 when the monsoon trawling ban came into effect. The Minister said the model food safety panchayat scheme would be rolled out across the State. The paper strip developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology would be made available for the public to test samples for the presence of formalin. Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajeev Sadanandan and Food Safety Commissioner M.G. Rajamanikyam were among those who attended the meeting. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has sought a report from the government on the steps taken against chemical contamination of fish. KSHRC member P. Mohanadas issued directions to the Chief Secretary, Health Secretary, and Food Safety Commissioner to furnish the details within three weeks. Demonstration: The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation staged a demonstration in front of the Secretariat here on Tuesday urging the government to crack down on unscrupulous large-scale traders from other States who resorted to the use of hazardous chemicals for preservation of fish. Fishworkers cooked fish and tapioca by the roadside and shared it with passers-by. National Fishworkers Forum general secretary T. Peter called on the government to slap non-bailable charges on such traders and promote the sale of fresh fish caught by traditional fishers.