Preservative in Frozen fishes ?

[autumnbronze]

micollh:

i just want to ask if any of you know that our fishes (especially those frozen , imported fishes e.g cod/salmon/fin/tuna) has got preservatives, like formalin on them ? I was informed by frens in KL that the wet market uncle told her, those frozen big fish like cod/salmon has formalin, so cannot consume that often ? i was so concerned as i feed my kids with these fishes and i know many parents did the same.

:yikes:

:nailbite:

Agree with SAHM_TAN that formalin is toxic ....

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-formalin.htm

[dasalo]

dasalo:

I was told by my fishmonger this morning that certain fresh fish (I can't remember which ones) also has preservatives. It is added to firm the meat during transportation.

My fishmonger did not say specifically what they added.

[Way2GO]

SAHM_TAN:

This can't be right, from what I know formalin is toxic to human. How can it be used as preservative? If sure of the source must inform ava.

Formalin is an FDA approved food additive (up to certain specified limit since it is known to be toxic n carcinogenic) which also occurs naturally in certain fishes n foods.

dis brief fr CFS is informative:
http://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fa_02_09.html

[Augmum]

micollh:

i just want to ask if any of you know that our fishes (especially those frozen , imported fishes e.g cod/salmon/fin/tuna) has got preservatives, like formalin on them ? I was informed by frens in KL that the wet market uncle told her, those frozen big fish like cod/salmon has formalin, so cannot consume that often ? i was so concerned as i feed my kids with these fishes and i know many parents did the same.

i do suspect so......
even if it's not formalin, they are treated with chemical preservatives.

i ever bot those frozen de-shelled prawns (happened that i ran out of seawater prawns)
they are so slimy to touch.
i washed them several rounds and soaked them in water,
intentionly leaving them outside.......
surprisingly, they looked \"fresh\" for many hrs...... :roll:

i remembered watching a TV documentary programme,
it showed that the slaughtered chickens were dipped in formalin solution
before the sellers took them to sell.......
seems that they can last for days even without refrigeration...... :scared: :yikes:

[verykiasu2010]

looks like we all need a fish pond at home now to rear fish for our own consumption http://i54.tinypic.com/1hqobb.jpg\"> http://i54.tinypic.com/1hqobb.jpg\">

[cnimed]

SAHM_TAN:

This can't be right, from what I know formalin is toxic to human. How can it be used as preservative? If sure of the source must inform ava.

I don't think they add formalin. Probably some sulphites that are accepted as food additivies, but some people do react to them. Anyway it's common practice and widespread.

[dasalo]

If formalin = formaldehyde, than it is everywhere.


Hair dye, nail polish remover, shampoo, glue etc...

This is interesting -

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/formaldehyde.htm

Whoa, I am guessing newly renovated cabinets/wardrobe that has the pungent and stinging effect is caused by formaldehyde and I am inhaling them everyday.

[micollh]

i wrote to AVA, this is their reply.. like not very clear too.. so it could ne still ahve some preservatives , just the check is on the level (they must have a range) if below the range, pass.. so meaning all our fishes(we import most fishes here) has preservatives..



Dear Madam Lim,

Thank you for your enquiry to AVA.

AVA has put in place an integrated surveillance programmes to ensure food safety. Imported fresh fishes are inspected and randomly sampled to check for formaldehyde and heavy metals. Fresh fishes available in wet markets and supermarkets in Singapore are safe for consumption.

Thank you.

Regards,

Li Lu | Assistant Manager (Food), Import & Export Regulation Div | Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
Tel 6325 7617 | Fax 6227 6403 | Website http://www.ava.gov.sg

[dasalo]

micollh:

i wrote to AVA, this is their reply.. like not very clear too.. so it could ne still ahve some preservatives , just the check is on the level (they must have a range) if below the range, pass.. so meaning all our fishes(we import most fishes here) has preservatives..



Dear Madam Lim,

Thank you for your enquiry to AVA.

AVA has put in place an integrated surveillance programmes to ensure food safety. Imported fresh fishes are inspected and randomly sampled to check for formaldehyde and heavy metals. Fresh fishes available in wet markets and supermarkets in Singapore are safe for consumption.

Thank you.

Regards,

Li Lu | Assistant Manager (Food), Import & Export Regulation Div | Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
Tel 6325 7617 | Fax 6227 6403 | Website http://www.ava.gov.sg

They have a permissable range that's why the term safe for consumption is usually used.

Way2GO:

dis brief fr CFS is informative:
http://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fa_02_09.html

Interesting article

[micollh]

AVA is giving me "standard reply" as usual… i feel concern really… what dish should i feed my young kids now.