No formalin found in imported fish in Aizawl markets

Forensic experts of Mizoram did not find trace of formalin, a cancer causing chemical used to preserve dead bodies in mortuaries, in fish imported from outside the state, officials said today.

The state government ordered testing of imported fish for formalin following rumours spread through social media that the chemical is being injected in fishes imported from outside the state, especially Andhra Pradesh.

Three fishes collected from markets of Aizawl were tested at the Forensic Science Laboratory here and no trace of formalin was found in them, the officials said.

Formalin, a toxic and carcinogenic chemical commonly used to preserve dead bodies in mortuaries, is used to prevent fish from deteriorating during transportation.