Kasaragod: In a joint operation conducted by food safety department in association with department of fisheries and Fish federation, officials raided fish sales outlets in Kasargod and Hosadurga to ascertain the use of hazardous chemical preservatives.

The operation titled ‘operation Sagar Rani’ was carried out by the officials after receiving several complaints from public about fish vendors employing hazardous chemicals to preserve fish to prevent it from getting rotten. The officials collected samples from different sales outlets and sent it to the designated laboratory to ascertain the use of chemicals and preservatives.

Ammonia, formalin and Sodium Benzoate are being used by fish vendors in excess quantitative to preserve fish during summer. The preservatives are known to pose serious health problems to consumers.

Officials warned of continuing the raids in future as well as taking action against outlets found violating norms.

An awareness campaign was carried out by a team earlier to educate vendors on the health hazards associated with preservatives in fish.