Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Nov 1: Following the directions of health minister U T Khader, a team led by Dakshina Kannada District Food Safety designated officer Dr Praveen Kumar C H inspected ice manufacturing units in the district that supply ice for preserving fresh fish.

During the inspection, the team collected samples of ice from manufacturing units located at Mangaluru Harbour. It was found that the units procure potable water through tankers and use it for ice production.

Officials instructed the units to obtain laboratory reports confirming the quality of the water used for manufacturing ice before commencing production. Samples of the water used in the ice-making process were also collected and sent to the laboratory for testing.

The ice manufacturing unit operated by the Mangaluru Trawl Boat Fishermen's Primary Cooperative Society was found to be using modern machinery to produce clean ice.

The Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Dakshina Kannada, directed all units to strictly follow precautionary measures and ensure that only ice manufactured using good-quality water is used for preserving fresh fish, thereby maintaining its freshness and quality.

Officials also issued a strict warning against the use of formalin or any other chemicals for preserving fish.