Stringent action will be taken against those found selling fish tainted with chemicals in the market, Health Minister K.K. Shylaja has said.
The initiative launched by the Food Safety wing — Operation Sagar Rani — to ensure the safety of fish sold in markets has been intensified and is being implemented in three phases.
In the first phase, samples of fish and ice collected from trading centres will be sent for sample studies in the food safety labs and the lab of the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi. Legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act will be initiated against those found selling fish with chemicals
In the second phase, awareness classes will be held for those in the fisheries sector on the proper handling of fish and how these can be preserved without spoilage.
In the third phase, Food Safety and Standards Act licence/registration will be made mandatory for all fish retailers and those engaged in seafood trading.
Operation Sagar Rani is expected to bring about many healthy changes in the way fish was marketed in the State, Ms. Shylaja said.
