Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the illegal use of tranquilizers in the fish trade in Chongqing, specifically focusing on substances like "鱼护宝" and "鱼安宝," which contain the active ingredient eugenol, raising health concerns for consumers [2][9]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The Chongqing Market Supervision Administration conducted a comprehensive enforcement operation on March 17, leading to the discovery of tranquilizers used by fish vendors [2]. - A total of 453 fish trading markets and 2,534 fish vendors were inspected, resulting in 44 violations, including three cases of tranquilizer use [2]. Group 2: Health Risks - Eugenol, the main component of the tranquilizers, is classified as a "three-no" product (no production date, no manufacturer, no production license) and poses potential health risks, particularly with long-term use [9]. - Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to eugenol can damage liver and kidney functions, and special populations such as pregnant women and children should avoid it [9]. Group 3: Market Practices - Investigations revealed that fish transported over long distances often appear in a "sleeping" state due to human intervention rather than natural behavior, with vendors using tranquilizers to facilitate handling and prevent fish scales from falling off [5][7]. - The use of eugenol-based products has emerged as a replacement for previously banned substances like malachite green, which was prohibited in 2002 [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights concerns regarding the use of anesthetics in live fish transportation, particularly the use of substances like eugenol and industrial alcohol, which pose health risks to consumers [1][3][10]. Group 1: Anesthetic Use in Fish Transportation - Reports indicate that various fish markets in China, including those in Chongqing, Shandong, and Anhui, have been found using eugenol and other substances to induce a "sleeping" state in live fish [1][4]. - In the Chongqing Lebang Aquatic Market, long-distance transported fish often appear in a "sleeping" state, which is confirmed to be due to human intervention rather than natural behavior [4][6]. - Workers were observed adding eugenol-containing products, labeled as "Fish Protector," to fish transport containers, which lack production dates and licenses, raising significant safety concerns [6][10]. Group 2: Health Risks and Regulatory Gaps - The use of industrial alcohol, which contains toxic methanol, has been reported in some markets as a means to enhance the effectiveness of anesthetics, creating serious food safety risks [8][10]. - Current regulations do not adequately address the use of eugenol and MS-222 (also known as "甲盐") in food fish transportation, leaving a regulatory void that could endanger consumer health [11][17]. - The lack of clear guidelines and enforcement regarding the allowable limits of these anesthetics in fish products has been highlighted, with no established residue standards for eugenol or MS-222 [13][17]. Group 3: Industry Practices and Recommendations - The practice of using anesthetics in fish transportation has become normalized in various markets, with reports of arbitrary dosing and application methods [10][12]. - Experts suggest that while anesthetics can facilitate fish transport, there is an urgent need for regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and establish acceptable residue levels [18][19]. - The article calls for immediate action from regulatory bodies to draft relevant standards and guidelines to protect consumer health and ensure safe practices in the fish industry [18][19].