Stringent measures initiated against low quality food at the borders are bearing fruit. Laboratories are reporting the level of pesticides in fruits and vegetables is below permitted levels, according to the authorities concerned.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, along with the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) and Customs initiated some measures last month to keep tabs on pesticide levels in fruits and vegetables.
Erring companies were fined.
These measures affected the supply of fruits, vegetables and other essential goods in the market, especially during the beginning of Ramadhan.
“We are receiving more than 300 samples of food every day as against 130 last month. We are open almost 24 hours,” says Vijayan T K, MD, The Global Laboratories and Testing, the only lab that tests agricultural crops for the ministry.
The lab carries out tests to assess the presence of pesticides. All samples are subjected to detailed chemical examination.
The ministry has other labs at the borders, while Muscat Municipality has one in Ghala for examining foodstuff meant for local consumption.
“The number of rejections is fewer now because producers and distributors are serious because any wrongdoing could cause them a huge loss,” said Vijayan.
The ministry is maintaining strict vigil at the land and sea borders following complaints last month that pesticide levels were above permitted levels in fruits and vegetables.
Each item in every consignment is subjected to rigorous checks. “This move is a bold step. Although supply was hit for a while, results are evident: market with little presence of pesticides preservatives in the imported foodstuff,” Abdul Wahid, Managing Director of Suhol al Fayha Trading, a leading wholesale dealer of fruits and vegetables, said.
The ministry stepped in and imported essential items directly from Jordan and other countries. “After the ministry stepped in, prices are under control. There is sufficient stocks in the market and there is no undue price-rise,” said a PACP source. In order to ensure accuracy, the ministry has invited tenders to operate its newly built state-of-the-art lab to provide it with technical knowhow. This will soon materialise, according to sources.
Kabeer Yousuf
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