Formalin, a cancer-inducing chemical has been found in a 11 out of 30 samples of fish species from a chennai market, tests were undertaken by officials of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
According to Fish industry expert, formalin or formaldehyde is sprayed on the fish or injected into the fish or the fish is dipped into the solution. This helps keep the fish fresh for a longer time.
Formalin is a colourless strong-smelling chemical substance usually used in industry of textiles, plastics, papers, paint, construction, and well known to preserve human corpse. It is derived from formaldehyde gas dissolved in water.
The widespread use of formalin, in preservation of fish, fruit and other food items is posing a threat to public health. Apart from being cancer inducing agent, Formalin also causes irritation in the eyes, throat, skin and stomach and harm to the kidneys, liver.
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