Key Development

As Kerala grapples with frequent reports of formalin– and ammonia-laced seafood—and a recent cargo ship sinking raising public concern—a promising solution is emerging. A research team from Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, is developing a lipid-based adulterant-removing powder that removes chemical adulterants from fish, paving the way to safer fish.

From Detection to Removal

The team secured funding at the FFS (Fail Fast or Succeed) YIP (Young Innovators Programme) Protothon, organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and K-DISC for a three-year project that initially focused on detecting adulterants. Feedback from students and researchers highlighted that removal has higher market demand, prompting a redesign to combine both detection and cleaning.

The resulting solution lets users mix the food-grade powder in water and wash fish safely, with even trace residues posing no health risk. A 10-gram sachet, priced around ₹20, can clean 1 kilogram of fish, making it a practical and affordable option for safer seafood.

Overcoming Funding Challenges

Funding remained a hurdle throughout the development phase, with even testing a single sample in an accredited lab stretching the budget. The team worked tirelessly to turn theoretical concepts into practical results. Teammates Ann Rose Baby, Arathi Bhadran, Ardhra Benny, Anto Joseph, and several students and alumni contributed relentlessly to keep the project moving forward.

Patent Filing and Next Steps

The team is now filing a patent and plans to convert the innovation into a startup. Before market launch, the powder must secure approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to confirm its non-toxic, food-grade status and undergo efficacy testing by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Experiments with new combinations and methods continue, with the goal of bringing a revolutionary change to seafood safety.

Source: The New Indian Express