MAPUSA
Amidst concerns raised by the Opposition of formalin fish making its way in the Goan market, Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane assured the Goa Legislative Assembly to set up a food testing laboratory of Export Inspection Council at the SGPDA market within three months.
Rane, on Thursday, also said that if necessary, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) will jointly conduct random quality checks along with Quality Council of India (QCI) of the fish transported to the State at the border.
Raising the formalin in fish issue, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said the trust factor of QCI testing at the State’s border has come under a cloud especially because fish laced with formalin has put a fear in the minds of the people.
Referring to The Goan reports front pages on July 16 and 17, he pointed out irregularities and lack of transparency in the testing process at the border and the Margao wholesale market.
“The QCI lab cannot be trusted. Who knows if the officials have an understanding with the fish traders who bring loads of fish in trucks? The FDA should also undertake testing at the checkpoint at the border,” Viegas said, while raising the issue during the Question Hour.
The Health Minister assured the member that adequate measures were taken and tests were properly done at the border by the QCI.
“The aim to bring QCI was because it was an independent body. When the formalin issue first erupted five years ago doubts were cast on the FDA and therefore the decision was taken to hire an independent agency,” Rane said.
“We will take your suggestion into consideration to start an FDA lab and jointly conduct the test with QCI,” he added.
He said he understands the formalin connection over the rise of cancer cases in the State and even all over India.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said soon after the formalin issue took Goa by storm five years ago the government had come up with plans to set up a food testing laboratory at the SGPDA market.
The Health Minister assured the House that he along with SGPDA Chairman Krishna Daji Salkar will discuss the issue and soon come up with the plan to set up the food testing lab. “We will set up the Food Testing Lab of the Export Inspection Agency at the SGPDA market within the next three months,” Rane said.
St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes suggested the checking for formalin should be left to the people and the formalin testing strips must be made easily available.
