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News18
17-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Cancer Risk, Mercury Poisoning, Organ Damage: This Toxic Fish Is Banned Yet Sold Openly
Eating fish is highly beneficial for health. It serves as an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Regular consumption of fish reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer. However, while the advantages of eating fish are plentiful, there are also certain fish that can be harmful to the body. One such fish, which is banned in India, unknowingly increases the risk of cancer. Fish and rice are the favourite foods of Bengalis. Fish can be categorised into different types based on their source, fat content, and fibre. For instance, freshwater fish include Rui, Katla, Koi, and Puti, while saltwater fish include Rupchanda, Laitta, Bhetki, and Hilsa. Low-fat fish examples are Magur, Taki, and Shing, whereas high-fat fish include Pangash, Chital, Bhetki, and Hilsa. The scientific name of Thai Magur is Clarias garipinus, also referred to as hybrid Magur or giant Magur. According to the Fisheries Department, the cultivation of this hybrid Magur is banned in the state because it consumes all other fish in the pond where it resides. Yet, despite the ban, this fish is being cultivated in numerous ponds across the state. Thai Magur can grow to lengths of 3 to 5 feet. It can survive for extended periods with its artificial respiration system and can even move on land. Dr. Priyanka Arya, Assistant Director of the Aligarh Fisheries Department, emphasises that Thai Magur is extremely harmful and banned in India due to its serious health risks. The cultivation, sale, and consumption of this fish are prohibited. In 2000, the central government banned the cultivation of Thai Magur in India through legal means, following the National Green Tribunal's orders to prevent significant environmental pollution. Additionally, Thai Magur grows so large that it consumes 70% of other fish in the pond. Experts have warned that consuming Thai Magur can increase the risk of cancer. This exotic fish species is not only detrimental to human health but also disrupts environmental balance. Dr. Arya stated that the cultivation, sale, and consumption of this fish in India are strictly prohibited by law, and legal action is taken against those who violate this rule. The Fisheries Department is actively informing the public about the harmful effects of Thai Magur, particularly its cancer-causing properties. Studies indicate that Thai Magur is responsible for approximately 70 percent of the decline in indigenous fish species in India, significantly impacting the aquatic environment. Furthermore, fishermen often feed this fish rotten meat and spinach, exacerbating water pollution. Thai Magur grows by consuming industrial and agricultural waste mixed in the water, resulting in a body full of pollutants, including high mercury levels, which are severely harmful to humans. In many countries, there is a tradition of eating raw fish. However, raw fish should not be consumed in our country's climate as it can cause stomach pain. In some instances, raw fish may contain harmful germs, posing health risks and potentially leading to death. Some believe that eating raw fish gallbladders can reduce diabetes. However, the consequences can be severe. In 2023, a woman from Jharkhand consumed raw Rui fish gallbladder for three consecutive days to combat diabetes, ultimately leading to fatal kidney disease. 13/14 Many think eating various parts of raw fish can cure diseases like diabetes, asthma, and arthritis, and improve eyesight. This notion is entirely incorrect. Consuming raw fish parts can be fatal. Fish contains protein, and regular consumption in moderation poses no harm. However, excessive consumption of Hilsa and Pangas can cause stomach upset.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Don't eat Thai Mangur fish this monsoon: It's banned and may cause cancer
In coastal and riverine regions where fish is a dietary staple, often served with rice, selecting safe and sustainable fish is very important. However, while most fish varieties are safe and nutritious, one specific type, Thai Mangur Fish (also known as Thai Catfish) has raised serious health and environmental alarms. Despite a government ban in place since 2000, this fish is still being illegally farmed and sold in many regions of India, putting public health at serious risk. The farming and sale of this fish are banned due to significant health risks and environmental damage, having caused a 70% decline in native fish populations and severely impacting India's aquatic ecosystem. About the Thai Mangur fish Thai Mangur is a hybrid variety of catfish, originally bred for its fast growth and adaptability. It is a foreign species imported from outside India. As a carnivorous species, it endangers other fish in India, severely affecting aquatic habitats. While it gained popularity due to its rapid growth and ease of cultivation, Thai Mangur quickly became a public health and ecological concern. So much so that its farming, sale, and consumption are now legally banned in India. Why is Thai Mangur fish banned in India? According to News 18, the Government of India and various regulatory bodies have prohibited Thai Mangur because of its harmful health effects and environmental hazards. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned its cultivation as early as 2000, citing the fish's carnivorous nature and potential to disrupt aquatic ecosystems. A leading voice in fisheries health and safety, the cultivation, sale, and consumption of Thai Mangur fish are not only illegal but also extremely risky to human health. Violators of this ban may face strict legal action under national laws. Thai Mangur fish causes cancer Dr Priyanka Arya, Assistant Director of the Aligarh Fisheries Department, warns that consuming Thai Mangur fish may increase the risk of cancer. The fish is often reared under unsanitary conditions and fed on rotten meat mixed with spinach, a practice that contributes to serious water pollution and poses a direct threat to consumers. The fish has been linked to carcinogenic effects, making it one of the most harmful fish banned in India. A 70% decline in native fish species Beyond personal health, the Thai Mangur fish has caused significant damage to India's water ecosystems. Research shows that this invasive species is responsible for a 70 percent decline in native fish species in India. Due to its aggressive, carnivorous feeding habits, the Thai Mangur preys on smaller native fish, disrupting the ecological balance in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Additionally, Thai Mangur often carries parasites such as fish lice, which lead to epizootic outbreaks, sudden outbreaks of disease in aquaculture environments that can wipe out entire fish populations. Illegal farming practices and water pollution One of the many reasons why Thai Mangur is dangerous is due to its unsustainable and unhygienic farming practices. Some fish farmers feed these fish with rotting meat waste, often laced with leftover vegetables like spinach, to maximise profit. This not only contaminates the fish but also pollutes the surrounding water bodies, accelerating the destruction of aquatic ecosystems. Strict ban and penalties on the import of Thai Mangur fish by the government The ban on Thai Mangur is not just advisory; it is strictly enforced. The government has made it clear that anyone involved in the cultivation, distribution, or consumption of Thai Mangur will be subject to legal penalties. Public agencies, including the Fisheries Department, have been instructed to conduct raids and take appropriate legal action against violators. The Fisheries Department has launched multiple awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of eating Thai Mangur, specifically highlighting its carcinogenic properties and harmful rearing practices. Also read | Is icing your face safe and effective? Know its benefits, risks, and application tips
