Team Herald
MARGAO: TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai has warned of banning fish coming from other States if the incidents of formalin in fish continue. The minister also made it clear that no one has been or will be shielded in matters where health of the people of Goa is concerned.
Addressing a press briefing, Vijai demanded that the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) hold regular checks on fish coming from other States to Goa.
Speaking about his sister who died of cancer, he said, “My sister died of cancer and I am a victim of the use of chemical in fruits and vegetables. We feel that she contracted cancer from the fruits she consumed regularly. If the eatables are going to kill people of terminal illnesses, then I am least bothered about the government or any traders for that matter and will go all out to totally ban these fruits, vegetables and fish from entering the State.”
“We won’t spare anyone even Ibrahim, other traders, any voter of Fatorda or anyone else if this repeats. No one will be shielded and we will put a permanent ban if the incidents continue as already four States have done that,” Vijai warned.
“I demand regular checks by FDA in all the fish markets of Goa. I have also asked the SGPDA Chairman Renuka Da Silva to keep a permanent premises earmarked at the new wholesale fish market to take tests of fish in the future,” the minister said.
Informing that the tender for FDA office for South Goa would be opened next Friday, TCP minister pushed for an independent agency for testing fish if people have no faith in the FDA.
“I call upon Vishwajeet Rane to give his view on this. We will give FDA VIP status here in the Markets and demand that the vegetables and fruits have to be checked thoroughly and we want FDA to do that job,” Vijai said.
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Reginaldo demands total ban on fish from other States
MARGAO: Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco while accusing the government of compromising with the health of Goans to serve the interests of agents in the fish selling industry, demanded that sale of fish from outside Goa be totally banned in Goa besides a thorough enquiry into the whole incident. He said that states like Kerala, Nagaland, Manipur and Assam have banned use of formalin in fish and wondered why the Goa government is not doing the same especially as fish is considered to be the staple food of Goans.
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Shiv Sena demands FIR against culprits
MARGAO: The Shiv Sena on Saturday had lengthy arguments with Fatorda Police Station personnel as the police refused to register an FIR after accepting their letter demanding action against those responsible for selling fish treated with formaldehyde at the wholesale fish market on Friday. Shiv Sena Goa President Jitesh Kamat in his letter to the police stating that the culprits were selling the formaldehyde treated fish to the public knowing very well that the chemical is a carcinogen and could harm people consuming the treated fish. He demanded that the police register an FIR immediately. However as the Police Inspector was on leave the PSI spoke to the PI and registered the complaint and said that the PI would decide upon the matter following which Jitesh spoke to the police inspector who told him that he would discuss the matter with the SP.
