Vegetables, fruits from these countries banned in UAE

The products have been found to contain pesticide residues in excess of permissible limits.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has banned import of certain vegetables and fruits from Egypt, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen, it was announced on Monday.
As of May 15, the products will be banned from entering the UAE as those products have been found to contain pesticide residues in excess of permissible limits.
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All varieties of pepper from Egypt; pepper, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, squash, beans and eggplant from Jordan; apples from Lebanon; melons, carrots and watercress from Oman; and all types of fruits from Yemen are on the list of banned produce.
The countries impacted by the ban have been requested to provide a certificate of analysis of pesticide residues for all other vegetables and fruits, stating that they are free of such residues as of May 15.
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The ministry also asked relevant ministries in these countries to comply with the food safety standards adopted by the UAE. The ban on the above mentioned produce will continue until the necessary safety requirements are met and pesticide residues are cleared.
The maximum permitted levels of pesticide residues in food are stipulated by regulatory bodies in the UAE and exposure of the general population to such residues most commonly occurs through the consumption of treated food sources.
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Many of these residual chemicals, especially derivatives of chlorinated pesticides, are capable of bioaccumulation and can build up to harmful levels in the body as well as in the environment.
Persistent chemicals get magnified throughout the food chain and have been detected in products ranging from meat, poultry and fish, to vegetable oils, nuts and various fruits and vegetables.
Through its sophisticated laboratories accredited by the British Commission for Accreditation (UKAS), the ministry analyses pesticide residues in all fresh produce and processed food in line with best international standards.
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Laboratories in the UAE have the capacity to analyse several samples simultaneously. By doing so, they save time in issuing the results and help in making prompt and appropriate decisions on consignments that violate safety rules and procedures.
Furthermore, the ministry is also keen to ensure that all foodstuffs and products in the country, both domestically produced and imported, are safe for consumption.
Why the fruits and veggies were banned
The banned products have been found to contain pesticide residues in excess of permissible limits. The ban will continue until the necessary safety requirements are met and pesticide residues are cleared.
The banned food items
All varieties of pepper from Egypt
Pepper, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, squash, beans and eggplant from Jordan
Apples from Lebanon
Melons, carrots and watercress from Oman
All types of fruits from Yemen
reporters@khaleejtimes.com