Ban to continue until safety requirements are met, pesticide residues cleared

Dubai-UAE: 11 May, 2017 – The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has denied the information that the UAE lifted the ban on the imports of certain fruits and vegetables from Jordan that has been circulating among Jordanian media outlets, saying that no such decision has been taken.
Last month, the Ministry announced a decision to ban imports of fruits and vegetables from select countries with effect from May 15, 2017, as those products have been found to contain pesticide residues in excess of permissible limits. 

The countries impacted by the ban – Jordan, Egypt, Oman, Lebanon and Yemen – have been requested to provide certificates of analysis of pesticide residues for all other fruits and vegetables stating that they are free of such residues as of May 15, 2017.

The relevant ministries in the affected countries have also been asked to comply with the food safety standards adopted by the UAE. The ban will remain valid until the necessary safety requirements are met and pesticide residues are cleared. 

Through its sophisticated laboratories accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment works relentlessly to analyze pesticide residues in all fresh produce and processed food in line with the highest international standards. Laboratories in the UAE have the capacity to analyze several samples simultaneously, reducing the time required to obtain the results and assisting in prompt and appropriate decision-making on consignments that violate safety rules and procedures.

Food safety is a core priority of the UAE's food security system. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment continues its efforts to provide healthy and safe food to consumers in line with global best practices and the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda.  Enhancing food safety and sustaining local production are strategic priorities for MOCCAE. Furthermore, the Ministry is keen to ensure that all foodstuffs and products in the country, both domestically produced and imported, are safe for consumption.