PORVORIM: As the 15-day ban on fish imports in the State ends on August 3 midnight, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the government has restricted the entry of trucks with fish to two borders – Polem and Patradevi – where joint teams of FDA, Police and Transport Departments would be stationed to conduct checks on fish-laden trucks to ensure the fish is not laced with formalin.
The Minister also said that fish traders operating from outside the State and involved in transportation of fish to Goa shall obtain licence from their State FDA.
Addressing the media, Rane said, “As an endeavour to ensure the availability of safe fish to the consumers, the FDA along with the assistance of the Goa Police, Directorate of Transport and Directorate of Fisheries will be carrying out checks on incoming fish-laden trucks at State borders.”
He added, “The temporary ban period is expiring and thus the import of fish from outside Goa is expected to resume. The circular in this regard has been issued with the approval of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for strict compliance with effect from August 4 early morning.”
He said that the rules have now been made stringent and fish traders from Goa importing fish should ensure they have obtained a licence or registration under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 from the FDA.
