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How To Detect Formalin In Fish And Protect Yourself From This Silent And Deadly Poison

Formalin, a form of formaldehyde, is a known carcinogen. Its use in food is illegal and highly dangerous.

by Nikitha Sebastian
How To Detect Formalin In Fish And Protect Yourself From This Silent And Deadly Poison

Formalin is poison. It’s not just dangerous; it’s deadly. There is no safe dose of formalin, a potent chemical that kills all life it touches. Yet, some fish traders use formalin to preserve fish, extending its shelf life by killing all bacteria.

Protect Yourself From This Silent And Deadly Poison

In doing so, they are slowly poisoning unsuspecting consumers. This amounts to nothing less than culpable homicide—a deliberate act of endangering lives for profit.

Formalin, a form of formaldehyde, is a known carcinogen. Its use in food is illegal and highly dangerous. When consumed, formalin doesn’t just disappear. It enters your body and wreaks havoc on your health. It can cause serious organ damage, particularly to the kidneys, and increases the risk of cancer. Despite this, some traders continue to use it, putting profits above people’s lives.

Also Read: Fish Lovers, Follow This Recipe To Make Fish Egg Fritters, A Common Bengali Dish Called ‘Macher Dimer Bora Jhol’

How to Check if Your Fish Contains Formalin

Given the grave danger posed by formalin, it’s essential to know how to detect it in the fish you buy. Fortunately, there are ways to test fish for this toxic substance before it reaches your plate. These tests are simple and can be done at home using readily available kits.

  1. Test kits for detecting formalin in fish are available online and in some stores. These kits usually contain test papers and a reagent.
  2. Start by rubbing the test paper against the skin of the fish. This helps to collect any residues of formalin that might be on the surface.
  3. After rubbing the paper on the fish, drop a few drops of the reagent onto the paper. This reagent reacts with formalin, producing a clear colour change.
  4. Watch the paper closely as it reacts with the reagent. If the paper turns blue, it’s a warning sign—the fish is contaminated with formalin. If the paper turns yellow, the fish is free from formalin and safe to eat.

This simple test can save lives. It only takes a few minutes and can make all the difference between eating safe, healthy fish and consuming a toxic chemical.

Also Read: From Mughals To British, How Hilsa Fish Still Remains The Iconic Delicacy Of Rainy Season Feasts

Formalin is not something to be taken lightly. It’s a poison with no safe dose, and it’s being used to line the pockets of greedy traders at the expense of innocent lives. Don’t let yourself become a victim of this toxic practice. Be vigilant, be informed, and always check your fish for formalin.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)

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