Team Herald
PANJIM: Notwithstanding the threat from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka to stop entry of fish vehicles from Goa, State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday refused to lift the ban imposed on illegal import of fish.
The State government is currently allowing only traders and transporters who have complied with the Food Safety and Standard Act to import fish into the State.
“Let Maharashtra and Karnataka do what they want. We are not going to lift the ban. Illegal import of fish will not be permitted,” Rane told media persons.
The minister said this is a permanent ban for those trading illegally in fish. “If the fish that is imported to Goa has no compliance, there is no question of allowing the consignment. This ban is to stall any illegal transporting of fish into Goa without compliance of the directions,” he said.
“We are not bothered about any threat from anyone. Our concern at present is to eliminate the fear of formalin from the minds of our consumers and we are committed to do that. For that purpose all steps will be initiated,” he said.
He reiterated that the person dealing with fish will have to obtain a food transport licence, FDA registration and transportation licence either from Goa or the concerned States and have insulated vehicles. “There will be no compromise on any of the guidelines,” he said.
Rane even said that if someone wants to challenge the order in the Court, he is ready to fight it legally.
It might be recalled that since formalin was detected by FDA official Iva Fernandes on July 12, the issue has exposed many shortcomings in the import of fish from outside Goa.
On Friday TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai visited Margao wholesale fish market and offered a place for the state of the art laboratory test. He also recommended that Iva be transferred to Margao and be given the charge of the test facility.
