Effective tricks to remove formalin from fish using kitchen ingredients, easy to do to prevent danger

foto: freepik.com

Fish preserved with formalin usually looks fresh longer, even though it is actually no longer fit for consumption.

Brilio.net - Formalin is a chemical substance that is often used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and fungi. Usually, formalin is used in the medical world or to preserve bodies. Unfortunately, there are people who misuse it by mixing formalin into fresh fish so that it does not rot quickly. In fact, consuming fish with formalin can be harmful to health, ranging from respiratory problems, skin irritation, to increasing the risk of cancer if consumed in the long term.

To ensure that the fish consumed is free from formalin, there is a simple way that can be done at home using kitchen ingredients such as vinegar and salt. Both of these ingredients are claimed to be effective because of their properties that can dissolve formalin and reduce its harmful effects. Here is how to use it summarized by BrilioFood from various sources.

1. Using table vinegar

Vinegar contains acetic acid that can react with formalin, helping to break it down into a compound that is more soluble in water. Here's how to use it:

- Prepare a vinegar solution: Mix 25 ml of table vinegar with one liter of water in a large container.
- Soak the fish : Put the fresh fish in the vinegar solution until all parts of the fish are submerged.
- Leave it for 15 minutes: Let the fish soak so that the formalin that sticks to it can dissolve in the soaking water.
- Rinse with clean water: After soaking, rinse the fish under running water so that any remaining vinegar and formalin that may still be stuck to it can be completely removed.

2. Using salt

Salt can also help remove formalin from fish because its sodium and chloride ion content is able to draw formalin out of fish tissue. Here are the steps:

- Make a salt solution: Mix 2-3 tablespoons of salt into one liter of water and stir until dissolved.
- Soak the fish: Put the fish in the salt solution and make sure all parts of the fish are submerged.
- Leave it for 30 minutes: This time is enough to help reduce the formalin levels in the fish.
- Wash with clean water: After soaking, rinse the fish with running water to remove any remaining salt and dissolved formalin.

photo: freepik.com

In addition to cleaning fish in the above way, it is also important to be more careful when buying fish to avoid those containing formalin. Here are some tips to consider:

- Check the aroma: Fresh fish has a distinctive smell of the sea or fresh water. If the fish has no smell at all or smells of chemicals, it is best to avoid it.
- Check the gills: Fresh fish gills should be bright red. If they are pale or grayish, the fish may have been preserved with formalin.
- Press the meat: Try pressing the fish meat with your finger. Fresh fish will return to its original shape after being pressed. On the other hand, if it feels too chewy or hard, it is suspicious.
- Look at the eyes: Fresh fish eyes look clear and slightly protruding. If the eyes look cloudy or sunken, the fish is probably not fresh anymore.
- Look at its durability at room temperature: Fresh fish tends to start to spoil within a few hours if left at room temperature. If the fish still looks fresh for a long time, it could be because it contains preservatives.

Some unscrupulous traders use formalin to preserve fish because of its properties that can prevent decay and extend shelf life. Fish preserved with formalin usually look fresh longer, even though they are actually no longer fit for consumption. This is certainly very dangerous for the health of consumers because formalin is a toxic substance that should not be consumed.

Consuming fish containing formalin in the long term can cause various health problems, including:

- Respiratory disorders : Formalin can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and even asthma.
- Skin and eye irritation: Direct contact with formalin can cause dry, itchy, and red skin. Eyes can also become irritated, especially if exposed frequently.
- Digestive disorders: Consuming fish with formalin can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
- Cancer risk: Long-term exposure to formaldehyde is associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially respiratory and digestive tract cancers.

Removing formalin from fresh fish can be done in a simple way using natural ingredients such as vinegar and salt. Both have been proven to reduce formalin levels in fish by dissolving and binding hazardous chemicals. In addition, being more careful in choosing fish is also important to avoid consuming hazardous materials. With these steps, the fish consumed becomes healthier, fresher, and safer.

(brl/tin)