Demonstration of rapid detection kits for adulterants in fresh fish to Kerala Fisheries Minister at Thiruvananthapuram

Fisheries & Ports department, Government of Kerala co ordinated a demonstration of new rapid detection kits for adulterants in fresh fish (CIFTest kits) developed by ICAR- Central Institute of fisheries Technology at Palayam market, Thiruvanathapuram on 14^th February 2018. The demonstration was followed by a press conference at Information and public relations hall, Secretariat. The CIFTest kits for formaldehyde and ammonia was demonstrated to Smt. J. Mercykutty Amma, Honorable Fisheries Minister, Government of Kerala at Palayam fish market. All the samples tested were free of adulteration. In the press conference the minister said the move was to clamp down on traders using hazardous chemicals for preservation of fish. The minister announced for a joint operation to be carried out by fisheries and food safety department. Dr. Ashok Kumar, HOD Fish Processing division and Principal scientist, ICAR-CIFT made a presentation of CIFTest kits at the press conference and recommended for better cold storage facilities at fish landing centres and markets to eliminate the use of chemical preservatives. Later the Hon’ble Minister distributed the CIFTest kits handed over by ICAR-CIFT to higher officials of Fisheries department, Food safety and Matsyafed.Fisheries & Ports department, Government of Kerala co ordinated a demonstration of new rapid detection kits for adulterants in fresh fish (CIFTest kits) developed by ICAR- Central Institute of fisheries Technology at Palayam market, Thiruvanathapuram on 14^th February 2018. The demonstration was followed by a press conference at Information and public relations hall, Secretariat. The CIFTest kits for formaldehyde and ammonia was demonstrated to Smt. J. Mercykutty Amma, Honorable Fisheries Minister, Government of Kerala at Palayam fish market. All the samples tested were free of adulteration. In the press conference the minister said the move was to clamp down on traders using hazardous chemicals for preservation of fish. The minister announced for a joint operation to be carried out by fisheries and food safety department. Dr. Ashok Kumar, HOD Fish Processing division and Principal scientist, ICAR-CIFT made a presentation of CIFTest kits at the press conference and recommended for better cold storage facilities at fish landing centres and markets to eliminate the use of chemical preservatives. Later the Hon’ble Minister distributed the CIFTest kits handed over by ICAR-CIFT to higher officials of Fisheries department, Food safety and Matsyafed.