Fish consumers in the Western Region, on Monday, expressed
fear over the revelation that fishmongers in Axim use formalin, the chemical
used for embalming corpses, for fish preservation.
Some residents of Sekondi-Takoradi told the GNA that they
now fear to consume fish because they cannot ascertain whether they contain
formalin
They suggested that the authorities should restrict the sale
of formalin to the general public, and prosecute anyone found to be using
formalin to preserve fish.
Madam Adwoa Boabema, a trader, said she would prefer eating
insects, as recommended by the United Nations, instead of consuming poisonous
fish.
Madam Florence Perry, a resident of Takoradi, suggested that
the government should provide more cold store facilities at the coastal
communities for the preservation of fish.
Some residents attributed the numerous ailments in society
to some of these poisonous chemicals consumed by the unsuspecting public.
They urged the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to take
immediate action, and also test all fish stock, especially those coming from
Axim.
The Western and Central Regional Zonal Manager for the Food
and Drugs Board, Mr. Solomon Agampim, told the GNA that his outfit had
dispatched personnel to Axim in the Nzema East Municipality to carry out tests
on fish stock, and retrieve those that contained the poisonous chemical.
He said his outfit would also undertake an educational drive
among fishmongers in the municipality to encourage them to desist from the
practice, and added that the chemical was harmful and not good for human
consumption.
Meanwhile, the Chief Fisherman for Aboadze, Nana Adam
Eduafo, has indicated that some fishermen in some coastal communities were
still using dangerous chemicals such as "DDT" and Carbide for
fishing, and appealed to the government to strictly enforce the ban on these
chemicals to save precious lives.
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