Foodstuff imported during the first four months of this year amounted to 156,316,624kg, the Ministry of Public Health (MPH) said in a statement yesterday.
As much as 1,069,287kg were rejected, including 675,576kg of foodstuff that were sent back and 393,711kg destroyed. More than 15 cargoes of chickens weighing more than 100 tonnes were rejected because of being contaminated with Salmonella.
More than 115 tonnes of meat products were rejected for various reasons, including food safety and non-compliance with the standard specifications. Also, 136 tonnes of fruits and vegetables were rejected at the various ports of the country.
The MPH ordered all the companies that import raisin to ensure the sulfur dioxide content, used as a preservative, does not exceed 1,500 parts per million, and this information displayed on the label.
Regarding food safety during the holy month of Ramadan, the MPH has intensified its inspection campaigns in co-operation with the other entities concerned.
All the food required for Eid al-Fitr, were imported early during Ramadan to ensure adequate supply. More than 80 technical employees of MPH are tasked to monitor the safety of food products imported into the country.