MARGAO
Asserting that obtaining trade license was not an overnight job, the Margao Wholesale Fish Market Association has asked the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Director to provide them two month’s time to complete the formalities. In a letter dashed off to the FDA Director on Wednesday, Association President Ibrahim Maulana further reiterated the demand to post FDA officer Iva Fernandes as the in-charge of the fish testing facility across the markets, saying the Association is even ready to offer space for the FDA in the Margao wholesale fish market.
Ibrahim further requested the FDA Director to start testing the fish with immediate effect under Iva’s guidance. “The wholesale fish traders and fish vendors will fully cooperate with the officer. The Association will take full responsibility for the wholesale fish traders,” he added.
Saying that the Association has been providing clean and fresh fish to the people, Ibrahim, however, said that doubts of chemicals being used on the fish have created an atmosphere of suspicion. “The FDA was duty-bound to provide clean food. The FDA Director should take up the task”, he added. Saying that stoppage of the vehicles carrying fish has affected at least 10,000 families who are dependent on the wholesale fish business, Ibrahim said the situation will also affect the hospitality industry and restaurant business. Ibrahim said that FDA’s insistence on the trade licenses and insulated vehicles to transport fish has brought the entire wholesale fish industry to a grinding halt. “No truck laden with fish has been entering the state for the last few days, leaving the markets deserted,” he added.
