the goan I network
MAPUSA
Claiming that the formalin issue has been politicised, fish vendors from Mapusa fear they would be forced to shut down their business if the government stops fish imports from other states.
It may be recalled that the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) had raided the wholesale fish market at Margao on Thursday morning amid claims of formalin-laced fish imported from other states.
Unhappy over the FDA raid, Mapusa fish vendors had closed the fish market during the first half of the day.
The fish vendors later met TCP Minister, Vijay Sardessai and after his assurance, reopened the Mapusa fish market in the evening.
However, opposition parties and other organisations had strongly objected to the import of fish from other states, claiming that the FDA raids had initially indicated that formalin was mixed with the imported fish.
As news of fish laced with formalin spread like wildfire, fish lovers began avoiding the Mapusa fish market, affecting business in the market.
“Some organisations are demanding a ban on fish imports from other states and the issue has been politicised. If the government agrees to their demand, the agent who supplies fish has directed the main fish vendors to stop their business,” said a fish vendor.
“In such a situation, fish business will be severely affected and fish vendors will be the worst affected,” said another fish vendor.
Speaking to The Goan, Mapusa Fish Vendors Association President Shashikala Govekar insisted there is no basis on claims that the fish was laced with formalin.
“However, the news has not affected fish lovers and fish still has a lot of demand at the Mapusa fish market,” said Govekar.
