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Is the fish available in Indian markets toxic?

Is the fish available in Indian markets toxic?

Mar 28, 2019, 10:00 IST

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Fish available in Indian market is toxic!

Fish is a healthy source of nutrients but it scared all the fish lovers when a video went viral on social media on June 2018 which showed fish sold in markets located in the coastal belt of Karnataka to be loaded with poisonous chemicals. If reports are to be believed this is not for the first time that such an instance came into public domain, earlier, similar buzz had been heard in Punjab and certain parts of Andhra Pradesh. If you are a fish lover, you will be shocked to know, what exactly the traders use as chemicals. Scroll to know.

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What makes them toxic?

Formaldehyde, that is used to preserve dead bodies and ammonia that is generally used as fertilizer in agriculture are among the chemicals that are often used to keep the fish fresh and shining.

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What research says?

In February 2017, the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India had confirmed that 47 fish samples collected from various parts of Kaozhikode were tested positive for toxic chemicals that included sodium benzoate.

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Harmful effects of such toxic chemicals

According to health experts, chemicals like Benzoate and Formaldehyde can cause Parkinson's disease, genetic disorders and even damage the cells. The chemicals can also lead to blockage of arteries and cancer too.

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Why are they laced with chemicals?

It is believed that fish as a rich source of nutrients and minerals helps protect the human body from various diseases. And with the awareness about healthy eating practices, there has been a sudden spike in the demand for all varieties of fish. To meet the demand, the traders in North are importing fish from the South and keeping the transportation time in mind, the fish are lined with cheaply available chemicals that increase their shelf life and maintain the natural shine.

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How to check the adulteration?

Kochi’s Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) has created a kit to check such adulteration. The kit consists of 25 paper strips, reagent solution, and standard chart for comparing results. As a consumer, all one needs to do is to take a rub a paper strip on the outer surface of fish, followed by putting a drop of the solution on the strip. If the strip turns dark blue, the fish is contaminated and dangerous for consumption.

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Verdict

We agree that it might not be happening in all parts of the country, but the report reflects that there are traders who use deadly chemicals to treat fish to keep them fresh and sadly, they are life-threatening. This requires the concerned authorities like Central Institute of Fisheries Technology to lay down strict guidelines about fish trade in the country.