Panaji: State Government today granted relaxation to the local traditional fishermen from the neighbouring States of Karnataka and Maharashtra, operating within 60kms radius allowing them to import fish in Goa.
Under Secretary (Health-II) Maria De Souza in its order has said that the fish brought in the State for local sale should pass the safety norms prescribed by the Food Safety and Standard Authority Regulations.
“In order to not to cause any hardship to the local traditional fishermen from the neighbouring States, Government hereby permits the local traditional fishermen of the neighbouring States to bring their fish in the State of Goa,” it added.
Only the traditional fishermen of the neighbouring States of Karnataka and Maharashtra within the radius of 60kms are permitted to bring their fish in the State in small vehicles that is light motor vehicles in insulated boxes or with adequate ice.
“The fish samples shall be subjected to random checks by the FDA officials Rapid Test kit developed by the CIFT. If the samples are found to be testing positive, the consignment shall be held back and
further subjected to confirmatory lab test based on the results of which action as per food safety and standards Act will be taken,” the order mentioned.
“In the meantime, such traditional fishermen who are dealing in fish transport shall obtain necessary licenses from the concerned FDA,” the order said.
“The above instructions shall not apply to bigger trucks and other heavy vehicles carrying fish into the State of Goa,” government clarified.
