the goan I network
MARGAO
Goa’s lone wholesale fish market, which is proposed for renovation at a cost of Rs 13 crore, may have a provision for an effluent treatment plant, offices for the stakeholders, demarcated areas for local boat owners and wholesale agents importing outside fish et al.
But, will the new market as and when it is spruced up, provide for space to set up a mechanism for the FDA or health to carry out mandatory checks on the fish coming into the market in the interest of the people?
FDA’s action in the wholesale fish market on Thursday has brought to the fore the same old questions “ how safe is the fish coming in the wholesale market for consumption and whether the FDA or the legal metrology makes its routine presence in the market?
Says social activist Judith Almeida, “I want to know where were the FDA officials all this time. Is it not their job to check and ensure that the fish coming into the wholesale fish market is safe for consumption? Enough is enough, the concerned agencies should be pulled up for playing with the health and lives of the Goans.”
Judith demanded that the FDA or health should check each and every vehicle bringing fish from outside the state whether or not it is fit for consumption.
“I think the government should not compromise on the health of its citizens. Not a single truck bringing fish from outside the state should be allowed to enter the market unless it is certified that the fish is safe for consumption,” Judith added.
Sources in the know pointed out that the FDA and health officials should check vehicles parked inside the wholesale fish market, whether the fish stacked inside is safe for consumption.
“We have been told that unsold fish is stored in the vehicles and taken out for sale the next day. Concerned officials should check this and allay our fears,” sources said.
When The Goan contacted Agriculture Minister, Vijai Sardesai to find out whether the government has any plans to ensure routine checks of fish coming into the state as demanded by the citizens, he said the government will come out with a mechanism which will address the concerns of the people.
“We have taken up renovation of the wholesale fish market at a cost of Rs 13 crore. Along with the infrastructure facilities, the government will certainly look into the issues of health and hygiene,” he added.
