Formalin found in samples of fish from outside Kerala: Government to High Court

Kochi: Kerala High Court was informed on Friday that the samples of fish brought from outside the state showed presence of formalin and governments of neighbouring states had been informed about this.

The samples of fish, preserved using ice, were collected and sent for chemical examination and from some samples formalin was found, K Anil Kumar, Joint Food safety commissioner, stated in a report filed in the court.

Hence, necessary communications had been sent to governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Goa to immediately take necessary steps to prevent the same.

The statement was filed on a PIL by A G Basil seeking a direction to sell food in the state in compliance with the Food Safety Act and Rules.

Action has been taken against large number of hotels for non compliance of food safety, the court was told.

Fine had been imposed on wrongdoers and 18 ice plants across state were ordered to be closed.