After Assam, Meghalaya detects formalin in fish, bans sale, violators to pay Rs 10 lakh fine

30 samples of fish tested positive for 'formalin “which is highly toxic and injurious to health”, said Commissioner of Food Safety Rosetta M. Kurbah

Meghalaya government has banned the sale and distribution and storage of fish brought from outside the state for 15 days after presence of ‘formalin’ was detected in fishes being sold in the State.

According to reports from the Assistant Food Analyst of the Meghalaya government, 40 samples of fish were tested, out of which 30 samples tested positive for formalin “which is highly toxic and injurious to health”, said Commissioner of Food Safety Rosetta M. Kurbah issuing a notification yesterday.

“The storage, distribution or sale of imported fresh fish or crustaceans brought from outside the state is hereby prohibited for a period of 15 days in the interest of public health or till corrective measures are taken with effect from the date of issue of this notification,” the notification read.

Anyone failing to abide by this notification will be jailed for seven years along with a fine of up to Rs. 10 lakh, as per Section 59(iv) of the 2006 Food Safety & Standards Act.

Earlier, in Assam too, formalin was detected in as many as 10 samples of fish out of 86.

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