Presence of formaldehyde as a preservative in commonly available fishes (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Anabas testudineus and Clarias gariepinus) has become a serious health concern in the public health of eastern region of India. Formaldehyde content was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed high formaldehyde content in frozen carp (19.66 and 23.3 mg/kg in Labeo rohita and Catla catla, respectively); however, the amount of formaldehyde was significantly reduced in boiled and fried fish (80 °C and 100 °C for 5 min) in mustard, coconut, and sesame oils. However, formaldehyde contents in non-carp fishes (Anabas testudineus and Clarias gariepinus) were almost negligible, compared to those in L. rohita and C. catla. In vivo toxicity studies showed a time-dependent increase in blood formaldehyde levels in rats after they were fed formaldehyde-contaminated fish (23.3 mg/kg) for 7 days. Histopathological analysis of the stomach of rats fed contaminated fish showed destruction and granulation of the protective mucus layer and detachment from the secretory layer. Taken together, our results indicated that continuous consumption of formaldehyde-contaminated carps commonly available in the eastern region of India may be associated with adverse health effects.
Keywords: Adulterant; Cancer risk; Fish· HPLC; Formaldehyde.