After around four months of ban on import of fish to Nagaland(from Andhra Pradesh), a large consignment of fish from Andhra Pradesh was cleared as safe and without formalin, by the food safety officials from the Health department. Sources said that the fish consignment weighed around 11,600 kg including thermocol boxes and ice. The consignment, which has been certified by Andhra Pradesh government, was taken to DDSC stadium Wednesday morning where random samples of four species of fish– rohu, catla, pomphret and pankaj- were tested by two lab technicians of the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) mobile testing lab (Food Safety on Wheels) stationed at DDSC stadium. The reports indicated that all the samples tested negative for presence of formalin. It was speculated that the onset of festive season beginning with Durga Puja, Diwali and Christmas, had compelled a re-look at the ban on imported fish varieties since the demand was huge and could not be met with local fishes. Addressing media at his office chamber, CMO Dr. Vikato Kinimi informed that the original plan was to conduct the test at the entry point of the state. However, in view of traffic snarls after 7 a.m., it was decided to take the truck to DDSC stadium where the mobile testing lab was already stationed. He said that all stakeholders were invited to ensure transparency. Dr. Kinimi further said that food safety officials will be carrying out surprise checking and that the fish dealers will have to notify the district administration whenever a consignment enters the state. He said it was also decided to first test the fish samples before being allowed to be sold in the market. Dr. Kinimi further informed that checks and tests will also be conducted for other items. For this, he appealed to the public, NGOs, and local bodies to support the department while assuring them that in case of complaints, they can directly approach the CMO’s office. Fish ban to continue: Earlier in the day, before the testing was conducted, FSO, Samuel Zehol briefed those present at DDSC that the ensuing ban on formalin laced fish will extend to three more months and that there was no ban on sale of fish which are not chemically treated. Zehol added that the test was conducted keeping in mind the health of the general public adding that Nagaland features amongst states with the highest number of cancer incidents. Scientifically incorrect claim made by team from Andhra Pradesh: Chemist from SPHL, M James Richa told Nagaland Post that a team from Andhra Pradesh, that met the principal secretary, made factually incorrect claims that a minimal trace of formalin was naturally found in fishes. Refuting the claim, Richa said: We have done our homework. We are working day and night. As per our knowledge, formalin cannot be present in fresh fish. James also informed Nagaland Post that a Rapid Test Kit has been developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) based in Kochi that could detect presence of formalin only in excess of 4 ppm (parts per million) and the state department has upgraded to the internationally accepted method called calometric method with colour card and sliding compactor which can detect even 0.01 ppm of formalin. Time taken for consignment to reach Dimapur: To get both sides of the story, Nagaland Post also spoke to a wholesale dealer, Inakhu Chophy who said that the consignment from Andhra transported on trucks take around five days to reach Dimapur. The truck that reached Dimapur on Wednesday took six days because of a bridge collapse in Farakka, he said. He also stated that extra precautions were taken to protect the ice from melting. Others present at DDSC stadium included doctors from DMC, consignment exporter, AFL; Naga Council Dimapur members; EAC (Adm), Food Business Operators, wholesale dealers, representatives from Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Mokokchung Chamber of commerce and Industries, police officials and community leaders. It may be recalled that the imported fish for sale and consumption was banned after June 25 this year when samples tested by mobile laboratory in Kohima found traces of chemical formalin used to preserve dead bodies. The formalin-laced fished were seized and then deposed off in the presence of district officials. The presence of formalin all imported fish species was confirmed after test was conducted in Dimapur and the seized items were disposed-off by DMC. Meanwhile, Dr. Kinimi has thanked the H&FW minister, S. Pangnyu Phom; principal secretary H&FW, Himato Zhimomi and principal director Vikeyie Losu for the support rendered to the district medical department.