Qualitative detection of formaldehyde and ammonia in fish and other seafoods obtained from Chennai's (India) fish markets

Illegal usage of formaldehyde and ammonia by fishermen and fish sellers for longer preservation of fish and other seafoods during sales and transportation has recently become a problem. Therefore, the present study was conducted to verify the presence or absence of formaldehyde and ammonia in fish and other seafoods that are commercially important for India, which are obtained from fish markets in Chennai. The present investigation results reveal contamination with formaldehyde and ammonia of commercially important fish and other seafoods collected from fish markets in Chennai. Formaldehyde was detected in 100% of samples in N4 Beach fish market, 93.33% of samples in Chintadripet fish market, 80.77% of samples in Vanagaram fish market, 68% of samples in Pattinapakkam fish market, and 58.33% of samples in Kasimedu fish market. Ammonia was detected in 100% of fish samples in N4 Beach, Chintadripet, Pattinapakkam, and Kasimedu fish market. Since formaldehyde and ammonia are harmful to human health, there is a need to develop a more suitable technology to extend the shelf life of the fish and other seafoods during transport and storage for longer preservation. Strict regulations should be made to control the usage of these harmful chemical substances.