the goan I network
PANAJI
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday said around 50 trucks which were transporting fish into the State and failed to comply with Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) norms, were sent back on Saturday.
The Health Department had on Friday issued the circular directing that the FDA norms specified for fish transportation and issued on August 2, 2018 will be followed strictly from the night of October 26.
Tension was palpable at the Polem check-post at midnight on October 26 when these trucks transporting fish were asked by the police to turn back for failing to meet the FDA norms.
Truck owners argued that they should have been intimated in advance. Karnataka police intervened on behalf of truck owners but were told by Goa police about the circular. No case was registered against anyone as the arguments did not happen in Goa police’s jurisdiction.
The Health Minister affirmed his stand on strictly implementing the circular on Saturday and stated that it will not be eased in the interest of Goans.
“So far, 40 trucks transporting fish were turned back at Polem in Canacona and 10 trucks were turned back at Patradevi check-post in Pernem,” Rane said.
“Other entry points like Dodamarg, Molem and Keri will also be monitored by the police to ensure no trucks enter Goa unchecked,” he added.
Rane stated that the DIG of Goa police will be informed of the same and asked not to allow the entry of any vehicles not complying with the FDA guidelines.
“Fish traders were given time to comply. Now action will be taken against those who failed to do so,” Rane said.
FDA officials will begin checks at various markets in the state from Sunday to ensure that violation of circular does not take place, the Minister added. Wholesale fish traders have threatened a strike from November 1 and demanded that the government take them into confidence to resolve the issue. Rane responded by saying that the situation already feels like a strike since trucks have not been allowed entry into Goa.
He also stated that the fish traders will have to comply with the FDA guidelines and until they do so, they will not be allowed to import fish. The Minister also stated that it is the traders’ responsibility to ensure fish trucks meet the FDA guidelines.
Rane said, only traders with a turnover of Rs 12 lakh or more will have to comply with the order.
Confusion at Polem border
as 30 fish trucks sent back
CANACONA: Confusion prevailed at the Polem border check-post in the wee hours of Saturday, after police stopped and sent back around 30 fish container trucks for failing to possess FDA registration certificates. Nine other fish containers trucks were also stopped at the check post, but were allowed to enter the State later in the evening. According to sources, border police had a tough time since the wee hours of Saturday, after several fish container trucks entering the State were told to return for failing to possess the mandatory FDA registration for fish traders. “Initially, there were arguments when police sought to display a copy of the FDA registration and many fish container truck operators feigned ignorance of its need,” said a source. >> See pg 3
