Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SS)

Kundapur, Jan 6: Fish lovers are now feeling tensed as people who are consuming shellfish that are arriving into the market are taken sick during the last few days.

Locals feel that shellfish that were made available earlier by fishermen through fishing in rivers did not cause such problems. People who consume shellfish arriving from other states are now facing health issues and the authorities have called for shellfish arriving from other states to be examined.

Shellfish is found in abundance in the Kundapur river beds of Hemmadi, Rajadi, Topplu, Hakkaladi, Aarate and Aanagalli. There is a huge demand for black and white shellfish made available from these rivers. However, in recent days due to silt in the rivers, the number of shellfish available from deep sea fishing has reduced drastically, according to fishermen.

Shellfish are healthy to consume and tasty as well. But, in the recent past shellfish are being imported from Kerala and those consuming shellfish cuisines are facing food poisoning.

Social worker Rajesh Kaveri feels that shellfish may be outdated and may have lost their flavour due to long storage. Besides, chemicals may have also affected the taste of shellfish. He said it is necessary to take suitable action in this regard.

Dr Nagesh, a physician at the Kundapur general hospital says there is a possibility of shellfish being kept in cold storage for months together after adding chemicals which could have affected those who consume the delicacies made of shellfish.