The kit contains a paper strip that will help detect the presence of chemicals, a reagent solution, and a chart to compare the color change.
Kochi: A kit to detect chemicals like ammonia and formaldehyde in fish has been developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT).
The kit, tentatively named 'Check and eat', will help consumer to check if the fish contains toxic chemicals within two minutes. Previously, fish had to be examined in a laboratory to find if chemicals have been used to extend their shelf life.
The kit contains a paper strip that will help detect the presence of chemicals, a reagent solution and a chart to compare the color change.
How to use
Rub the paper strip on the fish and put two drops of the reagent solution on it. If there is presence of chemicals, the paper strip will change color within two minutes. Match the color with the chart and find out what chemical has been used.
If the color is green, then there is no presence of chemicals in the fish. The color deepens according to the contamination levels and dark blue denotes presence of toxic chemicals.
Release date
CIFT chief Dr CN Ravishankar said the kit was developed following the reports of presence of toxic chemicals in fish that is sold in Kerala markets. Selected establishments interested in producing the kit on a commercial basis will be handed over the technology know-how.
The kit will be able to be sold under Rs 5, he said.
The kit was developed by a team of scientists including Dr K Ashok Kumar, Dr AA Sainuddin, Dr SK Pande, SJ Lali and ER Priya within six months. It will be launched by fisheries minister J Mercykutty Amma in January.
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