SHILLONG:
In view of Formalin cases reported in fish, the state government on June 8 prohibited the distribution or sale of imported fresh fish or crustaceans brought from outside the state for 15 days in the interest of public health.
The commissioner of food safety, Government of Meghalaya, RM Kurbah, in a circular, said that as per the analysis reports from the assistant food analyst, out of the 40 samples of fish tested, 30 samples were tested positive for Formalin—which is highly toxic and injurious to health.
The circular further said that Formalin is not included in the list or permitted preservatives used in food.
Furthermore, according to the letter, non-compliance to the prohibitory order will attract imprisonment upto 7 years and a fine of upto Rs 10 lakhs as provided under Section 59 (iv) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.