Formalin-Laced Fish Found in Bomdila Market; Arunachal Food Safety Team Conducts Raids

Bomdila: The Food Safety Officer of West Kameng district, Dr. Kesang Yeshi Tukshipa, led an inspection drive at multiple fish markets in Bomdila on Thursday, aimed at ensuring public health and consumer safety. The inspection was primarily focused on detecting the presence of formalin, a harmful and illegal chemical often used to artificially preserve the freshness of fish. As part of the drive, four legal samples, each weighing one kilogram, were collected and sealed in the presence of both the vendors and officials.

Dr. Tukshipa confirmed that the sealed samples will be sent to a certified laboratory for testing. “If any of the samples are found unfit for consumption, appropriate legal action will be taken against the sellers,” he stated.

Preliminary reports from earlier tests at a central laboratory have already raised alarms. Out of ten fish samples tested, seven were found to contain formalin beyond permissible limits. The contaminated samples included fish transported from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, as well as those caught locally in ponds and rivers within Arunachal Pradesh. In addition, vendors were sensitized about the health risks of using chemical preservatives like formalin.
“This initiative is not only about enforcement but also about creating awareness among vendors to prevent long-term health consequences in the community,” Dr. Tukshipa added.

The inspection is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen food safety standards in the state and protect consumers from hazardous food practices.