Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 26: Referring to information and video footage being spread about danger of consuming fish preserved by using the preservative, formalin, through social websites since the last some days, president of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Cooperative Fish Marketing Federation, Yashpal Suvarna, has clarified that there is no need for the people to be unduly concerned as this incident has nothing to do with the fish vending women.

He has assured the consumers that they can continue to buy and consume fish as before without any apprehension or worry.

He has drawn the attention of the general public to the fact that fish vending women have been pursuing their occupation since the last many centuries, and they have been honestly working as a link between fishermen and consumers. He said that these women have earned the trust of the consumers by providing fresh fish to the needy without making use of any chemicals.

He said that during the recent raids by food safety officials on various units in Kerala, use of chemical, formalin, was found to have been made to preserve fish in only a handful of malls and shops, and that about 6,000 kg of fish was seized during these raids. "In Kerala, officials have been keeping a close watch about these illegal things," he remarked.

Suvarna stated that in all the markets across Udupi and Dakshin Kannada, fish vendors have been providing fresh fish to customers as usual. Through a release he has urged the concerned to provide justice to fishermen who have been hard hit because of problems like fish famine and unsubstantiated rumours.

He has urged the government to take strict action against those who use harmful chemicals and clear the doubts in the minds of fish consumers.