According to a report ran in The New Nation, the BFSA has requested the authorities concerned to conduct laboratory tests of imported fishes to ensure poison-free food for the people. It came up with the call after detecting high-level of toxic chemicals in the imported fishes. ‘All the fishes imported from abroad are containing deadly chemicals. It poses serious threat to human health. So, imported fish requires mandatory laboratory test before entering local market,’ reads a letter of BFSA sent to the concerned ministries and departments.
Media reports said about 1,500 tonnes of fish have been lying in the Chittagong Port yard since January 1, hampering the normal operations of the port. Experts assume these toxic substances may come either from preservatives or from the food consumed by the fishes. The consumption of such metals beyond the permissible limit may damage the kidneys of infants and elderly persons and harm their liver cells. It may also cause damage to the eyes and ears in the long run. Testing all edible items after import should be mandatory as such items may contain deadly germ and bacterium of diseases.
This is the first time in the country that the FSA have decided to test fish for detecting the presence of such metals. Normally, tests on fishes are done to detect hazardous substances such as formalin, which is also not done in a proper way. Following the directive, eight importers have been showing negative approach in taking the delivery. The fishes, worth about Tk 15 crore, are now being stored in refrigerated containers in the port yard. Under the rules, importers must collect their consignments within 30 days of their arrival. The fishes will be destroyed if hazardous metals beyond permissible limits are found. In that case, the importers will face fine or cancellation of license, if they are found involved in applying harmful preservatives to the fishes.
About 90 percent of Bangladesh’s imported fish come from Myanmar, the Maldives, and Oman. In the first five months of the current fiscal year, 16,032 tonnes of fish worth Tk 66.36 crore have been imported. For the last four years, the average annual fish imports through Chittagong Port stood at 48,000 tonnes. The food safety watchdog, which began its journey in February 2015, said it was urgent to take quick measures to ensure safe food to attain the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Currently, lab tests are mandatory for more than 500 types of goods, including chemicals, food items, fruits, seeds, textile goods and scrap for detection of various harmful substances.
The people demand poison-free fish and food. The authorities must respond to take necessary action.
