After the formalin fish row, the proposal to set up the Quality Council of India’s testing laboratories at Goa’s borders has finally received the government’s financial approval. Two interim labs, proposed at Pollem and Patradevi check posts likely to be set up within two weeks until the EIA sets up a permanent base in Goa
Following public outcry over the presence of formaldehyde in fish since it was noticed last year in July, setting up of proper laboratories at the borders to test imported fish from neighboring states has been the persistent demand of Goans.
According to The Navhind Times report, earlier in March this year, the state government had identified different places at check posts for setting up Quality Council of India’s (QCI) laboratories to check fish samples from the trucks arriving at the state borders from neighboring states.
In its latest report, Navhind Times says, the state government has finally given the financial approval for setting up Quality Council of India’s (QCI) two temporary laboratories for checking of these fish samples. The places which have already been identified are at the Pollem and Patradevi check- posts, in assistance with the state police and transport department. These laboratories which are to be set up will be an interim measure before the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) sets up its permanent base in Goa for testing of fish and other food items.
Speaking to The Navhind Times, a senior official of the Health Department said, “We have received the financial nod from the finance department. Now we can expect the QCI to set up the labs at the two check-posts over the next two weeks or could be well before that.”
As to the Export Inspection Agency’s (EIA) plan to make its laboratory operational in the state, the officer informed that, “Goa government had given in-principle approval to the EIA to set up a full-fledged laboratory in South Goa and we have learnt that they are in the process of getting approvals from the Centre for all the required testing facilities and manpower,” he said further informing that the
The state government will come into the picture only when the EIA sets up its lab and seeks final nod to operate the lab.
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