PANAJI

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane today apologised publicly for his use of term “permissible limit” for which he was trolled on social media.

“I would like to apologise for my remark on ‘permissible limit’ for using the wrong terminology. As I have said earlier, I will push for a permanent ban on import of fish and will appeal to the government for the same,” Rane said in a Facebook post on Friday.

Rane’s use of the term “permissible limit” in reference to the presence of formalin — a powerful disinfectant used to preserve cadavers — in seized fish consignments last week has been used in a series of memes in the social media.

Experts like scientists at the National Institute of Oceanography have already said that formalin per se cannot be used to preserve fish, which is meant for consumption.

Rane, who is also Minister for the FDA Department, in his social media post has already sought a complete ban on the import of fish from other states “in the interest of public health”.