Team Herald
PANJIM: In a major decision, the State government has decided to impose a complete ban on fish import from Tuesday, however, the ban will not apply to fish traders who have complied with the rules and regulations set by Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
Health and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Minister Vishwajit Rane, on Monday, said that the government has decided to impose a complete ban on fish import from outside the State. Rane had earlier announced that the ban would be initially imposed for six months and will be extended further by another six month if required.
Rane on Monday said there is no question of a six-month ban and that the order banning fish import from outside the State will come into force from Tuesday. “The order has been vetted by the Advocate General and I have signed it. The order will be issued on Tuesday morning and it will come into force with immediate effect,” the Minister said.
Reading out the extracts of the order, Rane said, “Government via two circulars had issued certain directions to fish traders as mandatory under food safety and standards regulations, whereas, accordingly, Transport and Police Departments are directed to allow vehicles which were complying with the condition.”
“And whereas it has been brought to the notice of the government that the fish from outside the state of Goa is brought into the State through small boxes through other public transport thereby violating the conditions mentioned In the FDA circulars,” he added.
“Now therefore government hereby imposes a ban on import of fish into State of Goa with immediate effect,” the Minister said clarifying that the order will come into force from Tuesday.
“But however, this ban shall not apply to those people carrying out fish business like traders, transportation, in any manner dealing with fish, who have complied with Food Safety and Standard Act and Rules and Regulations thereunder by taking all necessary licences and permission as the case may be under Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and FDA regulations, and will be allowed to carry out fish business in Goa,” he added.
The Minister said the Government may, however, consider lifting the ban if all the regulations, as mandatory are complied by the traders.
Later speaking, Rane said that the fish boxes, which were seized by FDA from an inter-state bus on Saturday, have been sent to Saligao garbage treatment plant for disposal.
Responding to Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar’s demand not to go for blanket ban on fish, Rane said that tourism establishments like hotels, restaurants, that comply with FDA directions, will be exempted from the ban.
