Last month, the Ministry had announced a decision to ban imports of vegetables and fruits 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 counties impacted by the ban included Jordan, Egypt, Oman, Lebanon and Yemen.

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, 2017.

The relevant ministries in these countries have also been asked 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.

Through its sophisticated laboratories accredited by the British Commission for Accreditation (UKAS), the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment works relentlessly to analyze pesticide residues in all fresh produce and processed food in line with best international standards. Laboratories in the UAE have the capacity to analyze 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.

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 National Agenda and the UAE Vision 2021.  Enhancing food safety and sustaining local production are strategic priorities for MOCCAE. 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.