TRACES of the carcinogen malachite green were detected at 34 fish farms across South Korea last week, the Korea herald reported.
According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the toxic chemical, malachite green, has been found in domestic inland trout and leather carp farms in eight regions nationwide.
The revelation followed an inspection of fresh and salt water fish farms nationwide from September 15 to October 3 by the National Fisheries Products Quality Inspection Service.
The chemical's use in the aquaculture industry was banned worldwide after it was determined to be a cause of cancer. The chemical is also used as a pharmaceutical for aquarium fish as well as a fabric dye.
The detection prompted the Ministry to take a measure to stop all shipments from 296 trout farms and 140 leather carp farms in 11 regions nationwide.
Detection of the carcinogen has dealt a major blow to the domestic aquaculture industry and is expected to seriously cut into the sales of trout and leather carp.
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