Bhubaneswar: A day after the Assam government banned sale of fish imported from Andhra Pradesh, the Odisha Government has decided to examine samples in order to detect presence of cancer causing chemical formalin in the fishes.

"Secretary, Directorate of Fisheries has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report. Fish samples imported from Andhra Pradesh will be examined in laboratory. An expert team will be constituted for this purpose. On the basis of the report, we will take necessary action," said Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Pradeep Maharathy.

Notably, the Assam government yesterday banned import and sale of fish imported from Andhra Pradesh and other states for a period of 10 days following tests on samples that showed presence of cancer causing chemical formalin.

Formalin is used for the preservation of biological specimens and embalming, which is a funeral custom of treating human remains to delay their decomposition.