Are tea bags in Dubai unsafe? Municipality issues statement

In response to a rumour circulating through social media, Dubai Municipality has denied the presence of harmful substances in tea bags.

Laboratory tests conducted by the municipality proved that the tea bags are free from Epichlorohydrin, a substance used in making pesticides.

The civic body released a statement on Wednesday, saying that different samples of tea bags of several brands have been tested to ensure their safety.

Iman Al Bastaki, Director of Food Safety Department, said, "For this, we have devoted a large force of observers and inspectors in all areas concerning the protection of public health in terms of waste, food or pest control," she said.

She denied the presence of any impurities or carcinogenic substances in the food in circulation in Dubai.

Al Bastaki added that food in Dubai is subjected to routine health inspections before it goes for sale. "[Items] have to undergo a comprehensive analysis to make sure that they are free from anything that is detrimental to the health and safety of consumers and the community in Dubai. We ensure they are free from the dangers of any illegal substances," she said.

"They are also tested to make sure that they are free of carcinogens in order to preserve public health and safety of citizens and residents, and all the foodstuffs adhere to international specifications in food control," said Al Bastaki.

Al Bastaki urged the public not to be deceived by rumours launched by some people on online networks and social networking sites on the specifications and components of the food traded in the country.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com