PANJIM: As apprehensions over presence of formalin in fish continues, activist Sanjeev Raiturkar as demanded that the testing of fish being imported from across the border be handed over to the FSSAI. 

The Margao-based activist also demonstrated scientific manner in which fish testing should be carried out, which he alleged was not followed by the officials of the Food & Drugs Administration. “The FDA staff is incompetent. First of all, they are not using ISI-mark fish testing kit and the procedure followed to detect formalin is not followed. They haphazardly carry out the tests because of which formalin goes undetected, and thereafter give green signal to trucks carrying these fish to Goa,” he told reporters on Saturday slamming the authorities for playing with the health of the public. 

At the press conference, Raiturkar also conducted spot testing to trace formalin in fish through an appropriate testing kit and alleged on how FDA was inappropriately carrying out tests of fish samples at the borders.

“The FDA officials are incompetent, inefficient and hence the testing procedure should be handed over to FSSAI. I will meet Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday with this demand, else move the High Court,” he added. 

The activist also demanded thorough check of fish, which enter Goa on a daily basis.