THE “FISHY” SITUATION at a number of public markets brought to light after some surprise inspections has been a source of concern for online readers.
With so many people consuming fish on a daily or weekly basis, the confiscation of some fish deemed not fit for human consumption did not go unnoticed by many.
It all happened when inspectors visited the Berinda Cox Fish Market in Oistins, Christ Church, and the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex.
At the Bridgetown market, the contents of close to 150 iceboxes were examined. Several varieties of fish, both cut and uncut, were disposed of because of enzymatic and bacterial spoilage.
The inspectors found some pieces of a shark were already rotting.
Days before, some billfish and about seven dolphin fish were confiscated at the Oistins market.
Readers had their say:
Carl Harper: “The hygienic and sanitation practices at those markets have always been cause for concern. I am amazed at how fish are kept for hours in shopping carts near the roadside to woo customers. This can breed bacteria and make people sick or, at worst, kill them. These unsanitary practices do not only apply to the ‘poor black man’. Now if health inspectors would turn their attention to some major wholesale and retail food suppliers – supermarkets and restaurants – we would be on our way to a healthier Barbados.”
Trudy Mayers: “Thank you! Finally, we getting serious with these things.”
D Stoute: “Kudos to these folks for doing a much-needed job and doing it well. The vendors will grouse, but the people of Barbados must be protected. Thank you!”
Lloyd Gulston: “Government needs to improve or redevelop fish markets. They are not at all too attractive and the appearance of the vendors, especially the ones in Bridgetown, absolutely adds to the appalling look of this very drab market. I would think that cleaning at Bridgetown is a nightmare. There need to be controls in place; particularly controls for the number of boxes. Is there not enough cold and chill storage space for vendors to place their fish?”
Janet Mayers: “How could anyone with a conscience save that rotting fish to sell to an unsuspecting customer? Good job, inspectors!”
Yogi Ni: “These inspections need to be done more often, especially on imported red snappers. On two occasions I bought red snappers and they were not good and I had to throw them away after paying $8 a pound and $1 a pound to clean them.”
• Carol Martindale is the Nation’s Online Editor
Email: [email protected]
