Sri Vijaya Puram, October 22: Fish samples collected during surprise inspections across South Andaman markets have tested negative for formalin and ammonia, two chemical preservatives associated with food safety concerns, according to laboratory results released by the Food Safety Department. The findings follow a district-wide inspection drive conducted in coordination with the Department of Fisheries.
Food Safety Officers inspected fish offered for sale at markets across the district to check for suspected use of chemical preservatives. During the inspections, officials found no visible abnormalities in the fish examined.
To verify the findings through scientific analysis, officers collected samples from different markets and sent them to a laboratory accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Officials maintained the prescribed cold chain while transporting the samples to preserve their condition before testing.
The laboratory subsequently submitted its analytical reports, confirming that neither formalin nor ammonia was detected in the samples examined.
The latest findings follow an earlier inspection and testing exercise conducted jointly by the Food Safety and Fisheries Departments in March 2026.
During that drive, officials examined 323 fish samples collected from four major markets: Mohanpura, Junglighat, Shadipur and Bathubasti.
The department used Rapid Fish Testing Kits developed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) to screen the samples for formalin and ammonia.
All 323 samples tested negative for both substances, according to the department.
Food Safety Officers also conducted awareness activities for fish vendors, explaining the potential health consequences of using chemical preservatives and the legal action that violations could attract under applicable food safety legislation.
The department said it conducts regular inspections and testing of fish and fish products to monitor compliance with food safety requirements.
The Commissioner of Food Safety, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who also serves as Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, has asked residents to report suspected irregularities involving food products to the authorities.
The latest laboratory findings provide information about the samples collected during the inspection drive. They do not establish the condition of every fish sold across the district or rule out the possibility of violations outside the tested samples.
The department has said it will continue monitoring food products sold in local markets through inspections and scientific testing.
