Nagaland CM addresses on formalin-laced fish issue
In this file photo, formalin-laced fishes are seen dumped outside at the dumping site in Kohima. Ban on the import of fresh fish and other fish products were enforced in many districts in Nagaland for months in 2018 following the reports of fish imports failing tests for toxic chemical formalin (Morung File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 10
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the Department of Health and Family Welfare received reports of the sale of fresh fish and fish products and crustaceans laced with formalin which is a harmful substance.
The Food Safety Cell of the Department promptly initiated inspection and checking of markets in all the districts of the State. From 2018 till date, a total of 299 (Two Hundred Ninety Nine) Nos of fresh fish were collected as samples and analysed for presence of formalin. Out of these samples, 135 (One Hundred Thirty Five) Nos tested positive for formalin while 157 (One Hundred Fifty Seven) Nos of samples tested negative. 7 (Seven) Nos of the collected samples were not in a condition to be analysed. A total of 8950 (Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty) kgs of fish were seized and dumped/disposed off.
He said inspection, checking and testing by the Food Safety Team, Designated Officers/Food Safety Officers with Food Safety on Wheel Team in coordination with the District Administration, Police, Municipal and Town Councils, Chambers of Commerce, Youth Organisations and Voluntary Consumer Forum etc are carrying out strict vigilance at all levels in all the districts.
Fair Price Shops & PDS
Rio said that the state has 1621 Fair Price Shops (1323 rural and 298 urban).
In rural areas, the Village Councils are entrusted with the responsibility. GPS mapping has been completed in all the FPS and Foodgrains are allocated 100% online up to FPS level with effect from March 2019.
Rio said the allocation of food grains are done basing on the number of ration cards /beneficiaries and the question of insufficient food grains does not arise.
FPS level distribution (automation of FPS) ePOS (electronic point of sale) installation has started in all the districts since October 2019 to ensure that the genuine beneficiaries lift the entitled food grains.
The web portal is www.nfsa.gov.in
