CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The use of this chemical is banned in fresh foods, like fish, by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. But unscrupulous vendors sometimes use it to preserve fish for longer.

Detailed explanation-2: -It is derived from formaldehyde, a potential cancer-inducing chemical. Formaldehyde increases the risk of Leukemia, blood cancer and other lymphomas. The international agency for research on cancer and US FDA both classify formaldehyde as a human carcinogen.

Detailed explanation-3: -Formalin (formaldehyde in water) is a common adulterant in fish. Traders and suppliers use it to extend the storage life of fresh or chilled fish and artificially improve the sensory attributes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Formalin is used as a bath treatment to control parasitic infections on the external surfaces (skin, fin, gills) of fish. It is extremely effective against most protozoans as well as some larger parasites, such as monogeneans.