Fish ban relaxed; sale begins in Mokokchung

[caption id="attachment_219306" align="aligncenter" width="450"] This undated image sent by the MCCI show members of the group, and representatives of fish traders, municipal and Food Safety officials, at a warehouse in Mokokchung ‘after the ban on import and sale of fresh fish was relaxed.’[/caption] Dimapur, Nov. 21 (EMN): Traders in Mokokchung district have begun selling fish from Wednesday following the authorities lifting the ban on fish and fish imports. The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) issued a press release to the media informing about the development. ‘Following the relaxation of ban on the sale of fish and fish products, import of fresh fish and other fish products into Mokokchung District from outside, by the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung on November 14, fish traders have started importing fresh fish and are now being sold in the retail market from today,’ the press release from the MCCI stated. The deputy commissioner of Mokokchung district relaxed the ban “with the condition that the fish consignment will be first sent to Kohima for laboratory testing before the retail sale and further sample laboratory testing of fish will be from time to time.” Fish samples from the first consignment since the relaxation of the ban, were sent to Kohima for laboratory tests for formalin or other foreign substance content. The results of which were found to be negative and safe, the MCCI stated. The test results were received on November 20, the press release explained. The MCCI conveys appreciation to the district administration and the Mokokchung Municipal Council for “sincerely discharging their duties in resolving the matter.” The group expressed appreciation for the fish traders’ community cooperating with the authorities and complying with the ban, which lasted for more than four months. Likewise, the MCCI appreciated the Food Safety authority for ‘timely and sincere intervention, especially during the latest sample laboratory testing wherein the result was received within 24 hours.’