Recent reports have uncovered an unsettling trend: poultry offal heads, intestines, even spoiled meat is being diverted from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle markets into fish and prawn farms across Andhra Pradesh
What’s happening?
Informal networks collect chicken waste from urban markets.
Unregulated contractors supply this as feed to fish ponds in coastal areas.
Some farmers view it as a low-cost substitute for conventional feed
Why this matters:
Poultry offal may contain dangerous pathogens like E. coli, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium
Livestock and humans handling contaminated fish face serious health risks.
Despite a state-level ban issued in 2016 (GO‑56), enforcement remains lax, and violations persist
Risks for farmers and consumers:
Rapid growth in fish fed with chicken waste masks hidden contamination.
Fish grown this way may carry bacterial toxins.
Public trust in Andhra’s seafood (and the broader reputation of “Brand AP”) is under threat.
What should farmers and stakeholders do?
Refuse unprocessed poultry offal even at a low cost.
Prefer certified feed and nutrient-balanced diets for fish.
Report any suspicious deliveries or feed sources to local fishery or municipal authorities.
Improve awareness among local fish consumers about the risks of unregulated feed.
Protecting aquaculture integrity and public health through awareness.