PARADIP: Indiscriminate use of toxic substances for preservation of dry fish in Paradip has triggered panic among locals with police and Fisheries department yet to check the illegal practice.
Four days after huge quantity of formalin dehyde, which is used in processing dry fish, was seized in Paradip, police are yet to book the accused involved in smuggling the toxic chemical, sparking resentment among the locals.
Paradip produces 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of dry fish every year and is one of the State’s major production centres. Dry fish is supplied to different parts of the country such as Kerala, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Assam and north-eastern States besides Rourkela, Angul, Talcher, Sambalpur, Bargarh and parts of other Western districts in Odisha.
As per reports, womenfolk of fishermen community earlier used baskets to preserve fish. After sprinkling crystal salt on the fish, they soaked it in tubs for a day. Then, they washed the fish with water and put it out to dry for two to three days. The dry fish was then sold in local market.
However, thousands of Telugu and Bengali families, who are into the trade in Paradip area since generations, are producing varieties of dry fish by preserving it in chemical substances which are a threat to humans. Instead of using salt as a natural preservative, the produce is being chemically processed. In the process, those who relish dry fish are exposing themselves to possible food poisoning, skin diseases and other stomach ailments.
Locals alleged that use of chemicals in dry fish processing is posing health hazard despite a ban by Fisheries department. As many producers are using toxic substances, health experts have opined that intake of chemical-processed dry fish would have adverse effect on health of humans. Sources said there is rampant use of formalin dehyde for preservation of dry fish by traders.
A senior Fisheries officer (marine) said the department had issued notices to producers, traders, fishermen cooperative bodies and trawler operators to refrain from using chemicals during dry fish processing in September 2016 as it is a violation of Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982.
"However, we continue to receive allegations regarding use of chemicals in dry fish processing,’’ he added.
Paradip IIC Subranshu Sekhar Nayak said the huge quantity of formalin dehyde seized on Tuesday was procured from Kolkata. A racket is actively operating in supplying the toxic chemical in the area. "A police team is raiding different places in Paradip to unearth the racket. A manhunt has been launched to nab the persons involved in illegal supply of formalin dehyde,’’ he added.
DESPITE A BAN
Four days back, huge quantity of formalin dehyde which is used in processing dry fish, was seized in Paradip
Paradip produces 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of dry fish every year and is one of the State’s major production centres.
Notwithstanding a ban by the Fisheries Department, chemicals are being used to process dry fish. There is rampant use of formalin dehyde for preservation of dry fish by traders.
Intake of chemical-processed dry fish would have adverse effect on health of humans.