Odisha to check Andhra fish for presence of formalin

Bhubaneswar, July 12 (IANS) The Odisha government on Thursday issued directions to examine the quality of fish being imported from Andhra Pradesh in order to detect the presence of formalin -- a cancer-causing chemical -- content in them.

The move came after the Assam government banned the sale of fish imported from Andhra Pradesh.

"Secretary, Directorate of Fisheries has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report. Fish samples imported from Andhra Pradesh will be examined in the laboratory," said Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Pradeep Maharathy.

The Department will take necessary action after it gets the probe report, he added.

Most of the fish sold in the markets of Odisha is brought from Andhra Pradesh.

The Assam government on Wednesday banned the sale of fish imported from Andhra Pradesh and other states for 10 days following the detection of the presence of formalin, which is used to keep dead fish fresh.

The presence of formalin in the fish was noticed after a laboratory test carried out by the state Health Department.

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