Key Development

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Police seized nearly two tonnes of fish suspected to be stale after traders transported it by train from Tamil Nadu to Palakkad. Officers intercepted the consignment at Olavakkode Railway Junction on Monday night.

Tamil Nadu RPF intelligence alerted officials about an attempt to move unfit and possibly rotten fish into Kerala. Acting on the tip-off, officers inspected the parcel coach of the Island Express around 9:30 pm and found 24 boxes of fish. They detected a strong foul smell from the boxes during the inspection.

Authorities Verify Possible Link to Earlier Seizure

Officials suspect that traders may have attempted to reroute a stock that the Tamil Nadu Health Department had earlier seized in Nagercoil and sent back. Authorities are now examining records and coordinating with officials in Tamil Nadu to confirm whether the consignments match.

Police Await Health and Food Safety Action

Police immediately informed Health and Food Safety Department officials and requested them to inspect the fish and initiate further action. However, officials did not reach the site despite receiving the information. Police personnel, therefore, secured the boxes and stood guard until early morning. Authorities will assess the freshness and safety of the fish only after Health and Food Safety teams conduct a formal inspection.

Similar Seizure Reported Last Month

Last month, police seized nearly one tonne of stale fish transported by train and handed it over to the Food Safety Department for action. Food Safety officials stated that some traders use chemicals to suppress the foul smell of spoiled fish, which complicates detection and increases risks to public health.

Source: Manoramaonline