Goa: Parrikar bans fish imports for 15 days; evades queries on use of formalin

Refusing to clarify whether the fish from neighbouring states contained formalin, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday banned the entry of fish consignments into the state for 15 days.

The decision comes a day before the upcoming monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, even as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition government has faced criticism for trying to downplay the role of fish traders and their alleged use of formalin and a u-turn by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) officials, who first seized fish consignments for use of formalin and later claimed that the powerful disinfectant was within "permissible limits".

"If we stop the import of fish for 15 days, then this question will be resolved. From August 1, Goan trawlers will hit the seas to fish, there will be no need for transporting fish from far. Therefore from today, there will be a ban on the import of fish," Parrikar said.

State FDA officials, after a raid on outstation fish consignments from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, had claimed that formalin was used to preserve fish.

But soon after the raid, Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai tweeted that the fish was fit for consumption, following which the FDA in a statement said that the chemical was "within permissible limits".

Fish markets over the last few days have worn a desolate look, with consumers laying-off from purchasing fish in view of the ongoing controversy, reports IANS.

Parrikar on Wednesday said that the ban was announced "only as an abundant caution in the interest of the health of the citizens, to avoid controversies and confusion".

However, despite repeated queries, the Chief Minister refused to clarify whether the fish which was consumed over the last couple of months was laced with formalin.