'Operation Sagar Rani'. 12,000 kg of fish seized

Thiruvananthapuram: In a major swoop on adulterated fish, the food security department of the state government has seized 12,000 kg of fish preserved in formalin and unsuitable for human consumption.

In Phase Three of the raids named 'Operation Sagar Rani', conducted at the Amaravila checkpost in Thiruvananthapuram, it was found that 6,000 kg of fish brought in from neighbouring states contained formalin to a hazardous extent. The quantity of fish will be destroyed after further testing.

The preliminary test was conducted with the paper strip of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology. In further tests carried out at the Institute's laboratory, it was found that each kilogram of fish had 63 mg Formalin.

In the 6,000 kg of fish confiscated at Walayar checkpost in Palakkad, the consignment was found to be unsuitable for consumption and was sent back.

Action will be taken against these under food safety and quality control regulations. Health Minister KK Shylaja informed that firm action will continue to be taken against those indulging in food adulteration.

Operation Sagar Rani was launched by the state food safety authorities to ensure safety and hygiene at fish handling and distribution centres.