Latest news with #TamilNaduFisheriesDepartment


New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
After complaints of unhygienic practices, food safety officials inspect Ukkadam fish market in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: Following a complaint about unhygienic business practices, food safety department officials conducted a surprise inspection at Ukkadam wholesale and retail fish markets, on Tuesday. Fish traders have been advised not to use formalin-laced ice bars to store fish, as the consumption of fish adulterated with formalin can cause health issues. Also, we have advised them to sell fresh fish and avoid stale, said Dr T Anuradha, designated officer of the Food Safety Department, Coimbatore district. As part of sensitising the food safety standards among the food industry stakeholders, the department held a surprise check at the fish market in Ukkadam on Tuesday. The team, led by Anuradha, examined the conditions of the fish showcased for sale, the waste management process, drainage facilities, fish transportation methods and adulteration. There are 48 wholesalers and 23 retailers in the market, under the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department. The traders were asked about the source of fishes, the transportation method and whether they are using chemicals such formalin to keep the fish fresh. "We can identify fresh fish by its clear eyes, red gills and shiny, moist skin. The traders themselves should identify fresh fish by pressing them. If they press gently with a finger, the indentation quickly springs back if it is fresh. If the indentation remains or the flesh feels soft and mushy, it's a sign the fish may be stale. Also, they are instructed to use ice bars to preserve the fish, made with RO water and not use chemical-laced (formalin) ice bars," said Dr Anuradha. "Formalin is a common adulterant in fish. Traders and suppliers use it to extend the storage life of fresh or chilled fish and artificially improve the sensory attributes. Consumption of fish adulterated with formalin can cause serious health issues," she added. Following the inspection, the fish traders were offered Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC) training inside the market.


Time of India
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
14 Rameswaram fishermen return home after release from Sri Lankan prison
Fourteen Rameswaram fishermen, detained in Sri Lanka for allegedly crossing maritime boundaries on March 17, returned to Chennai on Friday night following diplomatic efforts initiated after Chief Minister MK Stalin's intervention. CHENNAI: Fourteen fishermen from Rameswaram , who were detained in Sri Lanka, arrived safely in Chennai on Friday night after their release from a Sri Lankan prison. Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department welcomed them at the Chennai airport and arranged their transport back to Rameswaram. The fishermen ventured out to sea on March 17 aboard a mechanised boat when they were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard. Although they were reportedly fishing within Indian waters, the fishermen were accused of crossing the maritime boundary. Their boat, fishing nets, and catch were confiscated, and all 14 were taken to Sri Lanka, where they were presented before a court and subsequently imprisoned. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai After chief minister MK Stalin wrote to the union external affairs minister S Jaishankar to secure the immediate release of the detained fishermen, diplomatic efforts ensued. Officials from the Indian embassy in Sri Lanka engaged with Sri Lankan authorities, ultimately leading to a court order for the fishermen's release. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Since the fishermen lacked passports, Indian embassy officials issued emergency certificates and made arrangements for their return. The 14 fishermen were flown from Colombo to Chennai on an Air India flight, with the embassy also facilitating their flight tickets. Upon their arrival at Chennai airport on Friday night, the fisheries department officials received the fishermen and organised their journey back to Rameswaram in a vehicle provided by the state govt.