Is the fish on your plate safe and formalin-free? Fish lovers and vendors at the wholesale fish market in Fatorda aren’t so sure. Concerns are mounting over the lack of rigorous formalin checks — an issue that had once drawn widespread attention across Goa.
An officer from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has admitted that there is currently no permanent FDA team stationed at the wholesale market to test the incoming fish stock.
What was once a robust operation involving 8 to 10 FDA officials — equipped with formalin-testing kits and enforcing strict checks — has now dwindled to a skeletal presence. These days, only 3 to 4 officials are occasionally seen at the market, and according to sources, their role amounts to little more than a formality.
Speaking to O Heraldo, local fish vendor Remedious Fernandes voiced his frustration: “Earlier, we used to see teams actively checking every consignment. Now, it’s just for show. The buyers trust us, but the authorities need to ensure that the fish is tested and safe.”
Adding to the concerns is a growing trend: fish-laden vehicles are increasingly avoiding the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) market premises altogether. Instead, they sell directly to local vendors, bypassing quality checks. This practice not only undermines the formalin-testing process but also poses a potential risk to public health.
Cedrick Pereira, a regular buyer at the market, echoed the unease: “We’ve seen this issue before. There was a time when we felt confident about the fish we were eating because of the visible FDA checks. Now it’s uncertain again. We want the full mechanism in place, not half measures.”
A fisherman at the market, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that two individuals are occasionally seen inspecting incoming fish, though their visits are irregular and lack consistency.
Sanjyot Kudalkar, an FDA officer, confirmed the absence of a dedicated team at the Fatorda market. However, she stated that inspections continue at Goa’s border checkpoints. “Currently, there are no FDA personnel conducting routine tests on fish at the wholesale market. We visit the site and conduct tests only when requested or in response to a complaint,” she clarified.
Despite repeated concerns raised by both vendors and consumers, authorities have yet to activate a comprehensive formalin-checking mechanism this season. Many believe that unless immediate steps are taken to restore rigorous testing—particularly at market entry points—Goa risks repeating past mistakes that triggered public outcry and temporary bans on fish imports.
With the monsoon season underway and fish consumption on the rise, stakeholders are urging the FDA and relevant agencies to act swiftly and ensure that Goans have access to safely edible fish—an essential expectation in a coastal state proud of its seafood heritage.