89 out of 137 fish samples test negative for formalin: Jena

Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena today said that at least 89 of the 137 fish samples collected from different markets across the state have tested negative for the cancer-causing formalin chemical.

"A total of 137 fish samples were collected from different markets and outlets of 20 districts. Of these samples, 89 tested negative for formalin," Jena told reporters.

Stating that the government will never compromise on the health of its people, the minister said that the fisheries department had earlier clarified that freshwater fish sold in markets across Odisha are absolutely safe for consumption as no traces of formalin was found in them.

He said samples of varieties of fish were collected from different places like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Balasore and Rourkela since July 13 and sent to laboratory for tests.

Odisha Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, secretary Vishal Gagan on July 13 had confirmed presence of formalin in Pomfret fish samples picked up from Unit-4 fish market in Bhubaneswar.

Besides, traces of formalin were also detected in two marine fish samples collected from different markets in Sambalpur district on July 19.