Some frozen food products ordered off UAE shelves over deadly bacteria

The UAE has withdrawn frozen fruits and vegetables of European origin produced by Greenyard over fears they could contain a deadly bacteria. According to a top official from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), the decision is based on a warning issued by European Union countries regarding listeria-contaminated Greenyard frozen vegetables and fruit products, which have even resulted in deaths.

Listeria is a harmful bacteria that thrives in ready-to-eat foods that can cause serious food poisoning. The ministry has urged consumers to return or discard the items on the list as they may pose "serious health hazards, especially to the elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from immune deficiency".

Majd Al Herbawi, food safety director at the MoCCAE, said: "The decision underscores the ministry's commitment to ensuring food safety and protecting consumers from adulterated and misbranded foods in coordination with relevant authorities in the UAE. Based on an alert we received from Europe containing a list of the company's products that have been exported to the UAE, we have issued a notification to the local food control authorities to investigate the products on the list and ensure that UAE markets are free of the contaminated food items."

Al Herbawi indicated that the MoCCAE, along with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and municipal authorities in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, are closely following the updates on the situation.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

List of withdrawn items

> American Mix III 12x900g

> American Mix III 24x400g

> Mixed Vegetables 4 10x1kg Pin

> Mixed Vegetables 4 12x900g

> Mixed Vegetables 4 24x450g

> Sweetcorn 12x900g

> Sweetcorn 4x2.5kg

> Sweetcorn 24x450g

> Vegetable Mix 4 20% 24x540g