It has always been a well known secret that some of the fish sold in Goa is treated with poisonous chemical preservatives. The fish vendors usually referred to it as “Vokod”, meaning medicine; what they perhaps did not know was that this vokod is the same toxic carcinogen Formalin that is used to embalm dead bodies in the mortuary.
The FDA raid headed by the bold and upright lady officer, Iva Fernandes, exposed the underbelly of Margao whole sale fish market and brought the grave issue to centre stage. Goenkars should take their hats off to this lady officer for listening to her inner voice and immediately making the results public despite knowing the possible consequences. Obviously she knew, perhaps from experience, that if she waited to consult her seniors, facts would be twisted/hushed up and the business of slow poisoning the people would continue as usual.
In the panic that followed, fish markets all over the State remained closed for a day (That some people went and bought the same fish the day after, is yet another testimony to the fact that there are people who live only to eat and would not mind the consequences). As quick as a surgical strike, the spin doctors got busy and by evening the FDA director issued a statement stating that the formalin content in the fish samples collected from Margao market was within permissible limits. Now who has permitted the use of this slow poison (in whatever dosage) to preserve fish is something that has left the Goykar wondering.
The Health Minister says that some amount of Formalin is inherently present in the fish. Did the spot test in Margao test positive for Formalin that is naturally present in the fish? These are some uncomfortable questions that the concerned ministers have conveniently refrained from answering, opting instead to play around with words. A clear cut convincing assurance has failed to emerge even from our US returned Chief Minister. Another Minister who is believed to be the unofficial Business partner in this whole fishy wholesale fish business has sarcastically spoken about recommending the lady FDA officer for Padma Bhushan. I would say, that she deserves that for her courage, character and devotion to duty! Are not our soldiers who protect and save our lives honoured with awards?
Let the Ministers talk about laws and codes of conduct applicable to government servants: Laws are made for the general good of the public and there is no code of conduct above humanity. The lady FDA officer who has received grateful appreciations on social media from people cutting across religion and caste needs our moral support. If she is systemically victimised as the dust on the formalin issue settles down, Goans will not keep quiet and the ministers will face the consequences – divine justice included!
