Favourite fish now becoming a matter of fear in Rangpur
Fresh looking fishes at a market in Rangpur. However, they are no longer favorite for many people in the town for fear of toxic formalin. Photo: STAR
Fish is no longer a favourite item for many families in Rangpur district, as sale of formalin-treated fish has become an out of control practice in the local markets, endangering public health. Not a single fly is seen near the fresh looking fishes, as they are treated with deadly chemical formalin but there is no monitoring system at Rangpur Municipal Market and other places to check the matter, said several consumers. “I used to take fish everyday, but now fish is not a favourite item for my family members, even the kids. It is now well-known that most of the fresh looking fishes are treated with formalin,” said Mamun-ur-Rashid, lecturer of Rangpur Government College. “There is no acceptable limit for formalin as it is a poison. If applied in fishes, its consumption will cause slow reaction in the human body, eventually damaging kidney, lunge and other organs. It can also cause cancer," said Dr Rezaul Karim, civil surgeon of Rangpur district. "Children and elderly people are more affected by formalin-treated fish. High doses of it may even cause death,” he added. Mahbubur Rahman, sanitary inspector of Rangpur district, said, “I heard the matter. But we have no equipment to test the formalin-treated fishes. We will conduct a drive soon.” Authorities are trying to set up permanent enforcement units in all fish markets of Rangpur town to take action against those who indulge in such illegal activities, he added. Rangpur Deputy Commissioner BM Enamul Haque said, "I have received allegations of the sale of formalin-treated fish. But we cannot conduct drives to take action in this regard for want of equipment to test it. We have asked the higher authorities to supply formalin testing kits as soon as possible." Asked about the use of formalin in fishes, Muslim Uddin, president of fish wholesalers association at Rangpur Municipal Market, said, “None of us are involved with such a nasty work. If anyone is found guilty, he must be suspended from our association. But we have no right to punish the formalin-treated fish sellers without proper investigation.” Talking to this correspondent, a number of fish dealers preferring anonymity admitted that formalin is used in both local and hybrid varieties of fishes. As it takes one or two days to bring fish from different places, traders use formalin for preservation of the perishable item, they said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments