Report

A viral video circulating on social media has exposed a disturbing trend in fish farming: the illegal use of hormones to accelerate fish growth. The footage allegedly shows a local fish farmer injecting fish with 17α-methyltestosterone, a banned hormone known for artificially increasing fish size and weight. While the practice boosts profits by making the fish appear larger and more marketable, this hormone-injected fish severely compromises consumer safety and violates food safety laws.

Health Experts Warn of Serious Consequences

Medical experts have strongly condemned the use of such substances in aquaculture. They warn that consuming hormone-injected fish can lead to a range of health problems, including:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Early puberty in children
• Endocrine disorders
• Reproductive health issues
• Increased risk of certain cancers

“These hormones don’t just vanish,” said a health expert. “They remain in fish tissue and can enter the human body, disrupting natural biological functions over time.”

Profit-Driven Malpractice

Driven by financial gain, some fish farmers are using banned growth-enhancing hormones to increase yield and appeal. The viral video shows visibly bloated fish being injected, sparking outrage online. “This is horrifying. We have to think twice before eating fish now,” one viewer commented.

Beyond human health risks, hormone misuse in aquaculture threatens aquatic ecosystems. When contaminated water from hormone-laced fish farms flows into rivers and lakes, it disrupts the natural balance of aquatic life. This environmental impact further underscores the urgency of regulating fish farming practices.

Public Demands Stricter Oversight

The incident has renewed calls for tighter enforcement of food safety regulations in aquaculture. Authorities are being urged to inspect farms, crack down on illegal practices, and raise public awareness about the risks of consuming chemically altered fish. As fish remains a dietary staple for millions in India and around the world, ensuring safe, ethical fish farming practices is critical — for both human health and the environment.

Source: News18