UAE cracks down on contaminated eggs

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) issued a circular to the concerned local authorities to ensure that the country's markets are free of contaminated eggs imported from the Netherlands. The Ministry also tightened the controls on shipments of eggs and other food products to ensure their safety and fitness for human consumption.

Entities responsible for implementing the circular include the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and the municipalities of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

The decision is based on the findings of a technical report following the warning issued by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) regarding eggs produced in the country. According to the report, the eggs are unfit for human consumption due to high content of pesticide (Fipronil) residues as per the EU standards.

The Ministry urged the concerned departments not to provide import permits for eggs from the Netherlands if they carry the codes listed on the NVWA website. The website currently registers 28 codes, and the information is continuously updated. The codes are clearly printed on the eggs' shells.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment spares no effort to provide healthy and safe food to consumers in accordance with best international practices in order to enhance consumer confidence in the safety of food traded in the country.

The ministry works relentlessly to achieve its strategic objectives in promoting food safety and sustainability of local production in line with the UAE Vision 2021. The UAE places the highest priority on food safety and relies on stringent control systems with regard to imported food in order to protect consumer health.

Source: Khaleej Times