Shillong, Aug 2: Import of fish by Meghalaya will resume after the ban period of 15 days ended on August 6.

Fisheries Minister, Comingone Ymbon said on Thursday that the ban will be lifted after 15 days and import of fish from outside the state like Andhra Pradesh would continue.

He said that the ban was imposed after two samples sent to a laboratory in Assam were tested positive for formalin.

Formalin is a highly toxic preservative which is injurious to health.

Ymbon however said that he has instructed the officials to also find out where the fish whose samples tested positive for formalin have some from.

The import of fish was banned in Meghalaya on July 23 for 15 days and the government warned of imprisonment upto seven years, and fine up to Rs 10 lakh under Section 59 (iv) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, in case of non-compliance of the notification.

Encouraging people to sell local fish during the ban period, the Fisheries Minister also urged people to complaint if the sellers or buyers are prevented by vested interests.