TNT News | Kohima, June 25, 2018:
Days after the government of Nagaland banned the storage, distribution and sale of fresh fish products, treated with formalin, for a period of three months, the Kohima Municipal Council on Monday seized formalin-laced fish products, stored in many Polystyrene boxes, from a dumper vehicle in Kohima and dumped them at KMC dumping ground.
The food safety commissioner-cum-commissioner & Secretary Himato Zhimomi had on June 22 prohibited storage, distribution and sale of fresh fish products, including crustaceans treated with formalin or other forms of preservatives in Nagaland for a period of 3 months or till corrective measures are taken with immediate effect.
According to the notification issued on June 22, the government had stated that those found violating the order will be imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh with imprisonment under Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to the notification, fish vendors are selling fresh fish products, including Crustaceans, in the State treated with formalin, which is highly toxic and injurious to health. Zhimomi said the notification had been issued in the interest of public health.
Distribution, storage and sale of fresh fish products treated with formalin or other forms of preservatives is considered "unsafe" under Section 3(1)(zz)(v) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it pointed out.
The designated officer (CMO)/food safety officers of the districts have been directed to carry out inspection and checking of food business establishment under its jurisdiction and submit action taken report to the food safety commissioner.
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