Citywide sale of stale fish raises health concerns

Consumers at risk of acquiring various gastrointestinal ailments

LAHORE:

Widespread sale of stale fish across markets in the provincial capital has dampened the charm of the popular winter delicacy for many regular consumers.

Although fish consumption is generally healthy and is recommended during this time of the year, due to the food containing various macro and micronutrients, like protein, selenium, vitamin D and Omega 3, the consumption of stale fish, according to health experts, can lead to adverse effects on health.

“While the consumption of fresh fish is beneficial as it promotes cardiovascular health, the consumption of stale fish is particularly hazardous and can lead to various gastrointestinal diseases, including food poisoning,” said Dr. Khalid Parvez, a medical practitioner.

The Express Tribune, gathering information on the matter, found that stale fish were being sold in various areas like Batapur, where flies were seen gathering around the stalls and inside shops.

According to a source familiar with the process, the stale fish were caught from water bodies, not by nets, but by using chemicals or electric shocks, which suffocated the fish, before they could be removed from the surface of the water.

The use of chemicals or electric shocks, according to Mian Ghulam Qadir, Assistant Director of Punjab Fisheries, causes the fish to become stale. “Their meat becomes less healthy and tasty after that,” he explained.

However, the unconventional technique of fishing is not the only issue compromising the quality of the fish, since spoiled fish, too, is being sold widely.

“Due to the cold weather, fish do not go bad, therefore we sell old left over fish at our stalls, keeping them on ice in order to make them appear fresh to the customers,” confessed Muhammad Saleem, a local vendor.

When asked about the lack of quality control, Mian Ghulam Qadir, Assistant Director of Punjab Fisheries, instantly shifted the blame. “The Fisheries Department was only obligated to oversee the smooth production of fish products and the responsibility of supervising the quality of live fish was in the purview of other departments, like the Metropolitan Corporation,” said Qadir.

On the other hand, consumers believe provincial authorities are abetting the sale of substandard food items in the market.

“Such sales cannot be possible without the support of government departments. They turn a blind eye towards such practices,” said an irked resident.

“The blame rests squarely with the authorities for failing to carry out regular quality checks and inspections,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th, 2023.