Palakkad, June 24: In a major breakthrough, the State Food Safety Department officials seized at least 6,000 kg of fish preserved in toxic formalin at a check post in Kerala’s Palakkad on Saturday. Formalin is a carcinogenic substance used to preserve bodies and can cause serious ailments like cancer. According to a report published in Hindustan Times, the fish, mainly prawns, came from Andhra Pradesh and was meant for a fish processing unit in Kochi.

The raid was carried out as part of the 'Operation Sagar Rani,' a drive launched to ensure safety and hygiene at fish handling and distribution centres. In the tests conducted at the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi 63.9 mg of formalin found in a kilogram of fish.

Last week, officials also seized around 14,000 kg of fish containing Formalin from the state. According to the report, the seized fishes were then sent back to the originating place so that they could be destroyed. Health expert Dr Mathew Thomas told Hindustan Times, “Formalin poses serious health hazards. Once inside the body, it triggers a metabolic process and produces toxins. While cooking, its toxicity never gets spoiled.”

Assistant Food safety commissioner A K Mini said that her department had written to the state government to allow only refrigerated trucks to carry fish. Kerala is a major fish-eating state of the country. According to the report, domestic supply caters to 60% of its needs, so, there is a heavy dependence on other states. Widespread use of chemicals to preserve seafood, fruits and vegetables is posing a great threat to the health of people.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2018 10:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).