This story is from December 17, 2017

CIFT develops rapid detection kit to test fresh fish contamination in market

People buying fresh fish from the markets can check it for the presence of ammonia and formaldehyde by themselves soon, right before they purchase it. That too within three minutes, thanks to a rapid detection kit developed by the Kochi-headquartered Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) for easy detection of adulterants in domestically marketed fish.
Rapid detection kit to test fresh fish contamination in market developed
(File photograph)
KOCHI: People buying fresh fish from the markets can check it for the presence of ammonia and formaldehyde by themselves soon, right before they purchase it. That too within three minutes, thanks to a rapid detection kit developed by the Kochi-headquartered Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) for easy detection of adulterants in domestically marketed fish.
FISH 2

The two kits, one for ammonia and other for formaldehyde includes thin paper strips and a small solution.
A person wanting to test the fish will just have to remove the strip and scrape (rub) it on the fish. Then put one drop of solution on the paper strip and watch the colour change. If it turns dark blue, then it means that the fish is contaminated. The colours are indicated on the package so that a consumer can get the result on the spot.
“The kit was developed following a request from the state fisheries department when there were reports of use of ammonia and formaldehyde in fishes. We developed it in six months and the kit will be officially launched by fisheries minister Mercykutty Amma. CIFT will call for Expression of Interest (EoI) for transfer of technology (TOT) to the industry,” said director C N Ravishankar.
Around 16 percent of fresh fish samples, collected by the state food safety commissionerate and tested at CIFT which is the national agency for fish quality testing, showed presence of chemical contaminants.
He said that these detection methods are simple and this technology will awaken the fish consumers regarding safety and quality aspects of fishes available in the market, which will indirectly discourage the malicious adulteration by the traders in the sector. The kit was developed by a team of scientists including Zynudheen A A,
Ashok Kumar, Priya E R and Laly S J.
The kit is ideal for fresh fish. In stored fishes, ammonia cannot be detected but formaldehyde presence can be known.
CIFT scientists said that this could also help food safety officials to assess the extent of chemical contamination in fresh fish. As of now, the detection kit includes 25 nos. of testing strips, reagent solution and standard chart for colour comparison. “This is a rough model which will have to be packaged better. As of now the solution validity is for a month, but we are working to improve it,” Ravishankar added.
The strip is expected to cost about Rs 1 per strip in commercial production. The FSSAI has already ordered for 2000 strips while 200 strips will be distributed in the state for checking in markets.
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About the Author
Sudha Nambudiri

Sudha Nambudiri reports from the southern state of Kerala. She writes on climate change, science and technology, social issues, and culture.

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