Can salt water remove formalin from fish? Check out the explanation

foto ilustrasi: Freepik/bearfotos

The use of formalin in food is very dangerous for health, but unfortunately there are still many unscrupulous traders who use it.

Brilio.net - Fish is one of the sources of animal protein that is widely consumed because of its high nutritional content. However, in the market, fish are often preserved using formalin so that they do not rot quickly. The use of formalin in food is very dangerous for health, but unfortunately there are still many unscrupulous traders who use it.

Amid concerns about the dangers of formalin, many people believe that soaking fish in salt water can remove this harmful substance. However, is this method really effective? Or is it just a myth that has not been scientifically proven? Let's see the explanation before you rely on this method!

Formalin is a formaldehyde solution that is often used in industry as a preservative, disinfectant, and antiseptic. In the world of fisheries, formalin is misused by some traders to prolong the freshness of fish, especially so that fish do not rot quickly during transportation and storage.

Why Do Rogue Traders Use Formalin?
- Prevents spoilage longer than regular cooling
- Keeps the color of the fish bright and fresh
- Reduce losses due to fish spoiling quickly

However, the use of formalin in food is very dangerous for human health. If consumed in certain amounts, formalin can cause:

- Irritation of the throat and digestive tract
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Long-term liver and kidney damage
- Risk of cancer due to continuous exposure to formaldehyde

Due to its harmful effects, it is important to know whether the fish we buy contains formalin and how to remove it properly.

illustration photo: Freepik/luis_molinero

Many believe that soaking fish in salt water can neutralize formalin, but is this really effective?

What can salt water do?
- Salt water can help remove formalin on the surface of the fish.
- The osmotic properties of salt water may be able to draw some of the chemicals out of the fish flesh.
- Salt has antibacterial properties, so it can help clean bacteria on fish.

Why is salt water not completely effective?
- Formalin is not only on the surface of the fish, but has also seeped into the flesh.
- Salt water cannot neutralize formalin that has entered the fish tissue.
- Soaking in salt water is not strong enough to completely remove formalin.

So, although salt water can help reduce small amounts of formaldehyde, this method cannot completely remove it.

Rather than just relying on salt water, there are several other more effective methods for reducing formalin levels in fish:

1. Wash the fish under running water
- Rinse the fish with running water for 15-30 minutes to help reduce the formalin content on the surface.
- This method is more effective than simply soaking the fish in still water.

2. Use vinegar or lime juice
- Vinegar and lime have acidic properties that can help neutralize formalin.
- Soak the fish in a mixture of water and vinegar or water and lime for 30 minutes.

3. Boil or Steam Fish Before Cooking
- Cooking fish at high temperatures can reduce formalin levels.
- Boil or steam the fish first for 10-15 minutes before frying or processing it further.

4. Use Banana Leaves or Papaya Leaves
- Several studies have shown that banana leaves and papaya leaves can help reduce formalin levels.
- The method is to soak the fish in water mixed with banana leaves or papaya leaves for several hours.

5. Choose Fresh Fish from Trusted Sources
- Avoid buying fish from places of unclear origin.
- Choose fish from supermarkets or markets that have strict quality controls.

To avoid being fooled, you can recognize fish containing formalin by the following characteristics:

Characteristics of Fish Containing Formalin:
- Fish eyes look clear but feel stiff.
- The fish meat is harder than usual and not chewy.
- There is no fishy smell typical of fresh fish (fresh fish should have a natural fishy smell).
- Gills are pale or gray in color, not bright red.
- Does not rot easily even if left at room temperature for hours.

Characteristics of Fresh and Formalin-Free Fish:
- Eyes are clear and slightly prominent.
- The meat is chewy and returns to its original shape when pressed.
- The distinctive fishy aroma of fresh fish.
- Bright red gills, not pale or gray.

If you find fish with suspicious characteristics, it is better to avoid buying it!

So, can salt water remove formalin from fish? The answer is not completely effective. Salt water may be able to reduce formalin on the surface of the fish, but it cannot remove formalin that has penetrated into the fish flesh.

Instead, use more effective methods such as washing with running water, soaking with vinegar or lime, or boiling the fish before cooking. However, the best step is to buy fish from a trusted source and recognize the characteristics of fresh fish so as not to be exposed to formalin.

Prevention is better than cure! Always be careful in choosing food to stay safe and healthy.

(brl/tin)