PANJIM: After giving fish traders ample time to comply with its guidelines, the government has finally decided to strictly implement the conditions laid for fish sale in Goa.
Irked by the delay of the traders in complying with the guidelines, Health Department has decided to strictly implement its circular dated August 2, 2018, which was issued after lifting the temporary ban on import of fish from other states.
A circular issued by Under Secretary (Health) Maria Seomara De Sousa, states that after the circular the Fish Traders Association had requested for time to comply with certain requirements. “The government has now decided to implement strictly the conditions mentioned in the said circular with immediate effect,” the circular reads.
As per the circular no fish traders shall function without a valid licence or registration issued by Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration under Food Safety and Standard Regulations.
“Goa Police and Transport Department officials shall ensure that the vehicles transporting fish entering the State for domestic market shall be carrying a transporters licence for the vehicle in which the fish is transported; issued under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations for transporting of fish, issued either by the authority of the concerned State or by Food and Drugs Administration Goa,” the circular reads. Further, it states, “The vehicles which the fish is transported are insulated vehicles.”
The circular also directs the vehicles transporting fish meant for export or for processing at the fish meal to comply with the requirements as communicated to them by a letter dated August 27, 2018.
On Tuesday, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) had revoked registration certificates granted to 33 fish business operators (FBOs) from Margao wholesale market, under Food Safety and Standards Act, for failing to get municipality trade licence.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that the government is serious about the formalin laced fish issue. He said that the registration is mandatory for all traders. “If not here they have to have transporters licence and registration form their parent state. Without registration we will not allow anybody to operate,” he said.
Further, he said, the local traders also need to get the requisite licences and NOCs from their respective municipalities and panchayats.
