Chemical-treated fish deceive buyers, threaten public health in Barishal

Some unscrupulous traders in Barishal are allegedly using chemicals to make farmed and marine fish look like locally caught varieties, deceiving buyers and raising concerns over food safety.

The traders are reportedly using chemicals to enhance the colour and appearance of fish, taking advantage of the higher demand and prices for locally caught varieties. The practice is not only misleading consumers but also raising concerns about potential public health risks.

The issue came to light recently after a mobile court seized around 700kg of chemically treated fish during an operation in Muladi upazila. The seized fish were later buried and destroyed.

According to relevant sources, large quantities of fish arrive daily at Port Road, Barishal's largest wholesale fish market, from different parts of the country. The supplies include various marine species as well as farmed fish such as hornfish and koi.

There are allegations that chemicals are mixed with fish in drums during transportation to change their colour and appearance, making farmed varieties resemble locally caught fish. As a result, ordinary consumers often struggle to distinguish between the two.

Traders are also accused of using chemicals on different marine fish species, including sea urchins, corals and shrimp, to conceal their natural characteristics and make them more attractive to buyers.

Md Rakib Howlader, a retail fish trader at Port Road, said, "We sell fish as supplied by the wholesalers. They apply colour to make it difficult to distinguish farmed fish from locally caught varieties. In many cases, buyers pay higher prices believing that they are purchasing local fish."

Sabbir Khan, a schoolteacher who was shopping for local fish at the market, said consumers visit markets hoping to buy safe and quality fish for their families.

"It is deeply concerning if traders mix chemicals with fish for extra profit without considering the risks to public health. Those involved in such practices should face strict action," he said.

Experts warned that consuming chemically contaminated fish can pose serious health risks. The extent of the damage depends on the type and quantity of chemicals used and the level of exposure. 

Sagar Mallick, Barishal district officer of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, said consuming chemically contaminated fish could cause various health complications, including cancer and kidney failure. Prolonged consumption of contaminated food may increase the risk of serious illnesses, he added.

He said the authorities had previously warned the concerned traders over allegations of chemical use on hornfish and koi at Port Road. However, the traders no longer collect fish from the previously identified source, he added.

Mallick also said the authority remained vigilant to ensure food safety. Barishal District Fisheries Officer Md Hadiuzzaman said mixing chemicals with fish is illegal. "If we receive information about the sale of such fish, we will immediately conduct an operation," he said.