Hubballi, January 3, 2026 — A mysterious audio message circulating on social media has sown fear among residents of Hubballi, claiming that fish sold at the bustling Ganeshpeth fish market is laced with toxic chemicals, potentially causing infertility, organ damage, and even preventing childbirth. The anonymous recording, which alleges the contamination stems from vendors' attempts to offset heavy financial losses, has led to a sharp drop in sales, leaving local traders reeling. However, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) Health Department has swiftly intervened, with lab tests confirming the fish is safe for consumption, urging the public to disregard the "baseless rumor."
The audio, which surfaced late last week and rapidly went viral on WhatsApp groups and local social media circles, paints a grim picture: "Do not buy or eat fish from Ganeshpeth market—poisonous chemicals are being mixed to preserve stock amid losses. Consuming it will damage your organs, and no children will be born." Shared widely among coastal Karnataka communities known for their seafood reliance, the message has exacerbated existing woes for vendors, who report a 70-80% plunge in daily footfall. "We've lost thousands in unsold stock," said one longtime seller at the market, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Families are avoiding us entirely, citing the audio. This is ruining livelihoods built over decades."
In response, HDMC Health officials conducted urgent sampling from multiple stalls at the Ganeshpeth market—Hubballi's oldest and most vibrant fish hub, handling over 5 tons of fresh catch daily from nearby Arabian Sea ports. Preliminary results from the department's accredited lab, released Friday afternoon, showed no traces of harmful chemicals, preservatives, or contaminants beyond natural marine residues. "The fish is fresh, hygienic, and poses no health risks," stated . , HDMC Health Officer Mr. Ms Kudari , in a press briefing. "We've tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and synthetic additives—everything is within safe limits as per FSSAI standards. This appears to be a deliberate hoax, possibly aimed at sabotaging local trade."
The clarification came during an emergency meeting convened at the HDMC headquarters, attended by several local councilors who rallied to support the vendors and counter the misinformation. Key figures present included Ward No. 63 Councilor Mohammed Ilyas Maniyar, known for his advocacy on minority welfare and market hygiene; Yusuf Dhawardar, a vocal voice on urban sanitation; Sohail Shaik, representing fisherfolk interests; Tousif, a youth leader focused on digital literacy to combat fake news; Ganguly Rizwan, who chairs the market welfare committee; Shabbir Ahmed from shabbier Khairath Noor Ahmed, emphasizing community health; and Mustaq, a senior advisor on trade disputes.
"This is not just economic sabotage—it's a threat to public trust," said Councilor Maniyar, whose ward encompasses parts of Ganeshpeth. "We've seen how rumors like this spread unchecked on audio clips from unknown sources. Our message is clear: Shop local, eat safe. The HDMC is ramping up random inspections to ensure compliance." The councilors pledged to launch awareness drives, including door-to-door campaigns and verified social media advisories, while calling on police to trace the audio's origin under cybercrime laws.
The incident underscores broader challenges in India's informal food markets, where seasonal gluts—like the recent post-monsoon dip in demand—can lead to desperate measures by some operators. Experts note that while genuine adulteration cases (e.g., formalin in fish from Kerala ports) have made headlines, hoaxes like this exploit public anxieties amplified by social media. "Vendors are already grappling with rising fuel costs and erratic supplies," observed Prof. Lakshmi Rao, a food safety specialist at Karnataka University, Dharwad. "Such panics compound their losses, but proactive testing like HDMC's restores confidence."
As of Saturday, sales at Ganeshpeth showed tentative signs of recovery, with officials distributing free hygiene kits and lab certificates to stalls. HDMC has also announced a helpline (8277803778) for reporting suspicious food claims. In a city where fish is a dietary staple—rich in omega-3s and vital for nutrition amid Karnataka's protein gaps—authorities hope this episode serves as a wake-up call for vigilant consumption without succumbing to fearmongering. Investigations into the audio's source continue, with promises of strict action against those spreading "poisonous lies."
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