The Feira do Praeirinho in Cuiabá, Brazil, has recently received authorization to resume the sale of fish following a series of inspections by the Health Surveillance Department. This decision was made possible by a new decree published in the Municipal Gazette that outlines specific sanitary, technical, and structural regulations designed to ensure the legal and safe operation of this fish trade. The regulations also aim to respect environmental standards as part of the overall governance of food safety in local markets.

Previously in December 2022, the Public Ministry of the State of Mato Grosso (MP-MT) had notified the municipal government after discovering numerous violations which led to the closure of two fish stalls due to a lack of proper licenses. The investigations highlighted serious hygiene concerns, including accumulated trash and unsanitary conditions that posed potential health risks to consumers. These monitoring efforts underscore the commitment of the local authorities to enforce health regulations in public markets.

Under the new decree, vendors are required to follow stringent guidelines, including the proper handling of fish in hygienic environments, maintaining specific storage temperatures between 0°C and 4°C, and forbidding the use of wooden surfaces for cutting fish. These measures are expected to improve the safety and quality of the seafood sold at the Feira do Praeirinho, contributing to enhanced consumer confidence and public health within the community.