"We found it yesterday (Wednesday, Jan 22) while conducting an impromptu inspection at several traditional markets and Labuan Bajo ferry pier.Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The West Manggarai District Food Security and Fisheries Office in East Nusa Tenggara Province discovered 1.9 tons of formaldehyde-laced fish being sold freely in the local markets during an impromptu inspection on Wednesday (Jan 22).
"We found it yesterday (Wednesday, Jan 22) while conducting an impromptu inspection at several traditional markets and the Labuan Bajo ferry pier," Head of the West Manggarai District Food Security and Fisheries Office Yeremias Ontong stated on Thursday.
He noted that the sellers of formaldehyde-laced fish admitted to having obtained the stock from fishermen.
The office conducted the spontaneous inspection after fish sellers at the Werang and Rekas markets in Sanong Nggoang Sub-district were found selling formaldehyde-laced fish, he revealed.
"Hence, after we found formaldehyde-laced fish, we set up a team to conduct an impromptu inspection. We are suspicious that plenty of formaldehyde-laced fish are circulating, particularly in Labuan Bajo City," he noted.
He expressed concern that if the case of formaldehyde-laced fish were to go unheeded, it would continue unabated. According to results of a laboratory test conducted on several samples of dried fish, all were found to contain formaldehyde.
The formaldehyde content ranged from 0.9 to 8.3 milligrams, thereby indicating that the fish is highly detrimental to human health since it can be causative to cancer and kidney and liver problems.
The office, along with the team, acted swiftly, as some of the formaldehyde-laced fish had been sent to Ruteng and Borong. However, the delivery of the formaldehyde fish could be foiled.
The formaldehyde-laced fish seized during the impromptu inspection was later destroyed in the backyard of the West Manggarai District Food Security and Fisheries Office.
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Translator: Kornelis Kaha/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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