DUBAI: After reports from India said that some of the country's exported vegetable contain traces of banned pesticides, the United Arab Emirates government has said that all fruits and vegetables that enter the local market are safe after passing through stringent inspections. A number of the pesticides reported allegedly contain cancer causing materials and can also lead to kidney damage, lung problems and even neurological disorders. “I am definitely going to try and search out other vegetables and fruits,” said Rania Tarablas, a Dubai mother of three. She told Bikya Masr that even thought Indian fruits and vegetables have been given the green light “I just can't risk it with my family.” Some 60 percent of all UAE vegetables are imported from India. The rest come from Oman, Egypt and other markets. A recent survey by Consumer Voice – Voluntary Organization in the Interest of Consumer Education – an initiative that was started in 1983 by the students and teachers of Delhi University, found at least five banned chemical substances in most of the 193 samples of 35 different kinds of vegetables picked up from markets in three major cities. “Every container of vegetable and fruits that lands at the Dubai port undergoes a stringent test and is only allowed into the market after it is found safe for consumption,” said one senior Dubai Municipality official in comments published by Dubai's 24-7. The government has said that consumers should be vigilant in their purchases, but assured all UAE residents that foodstuffs in the country are safe. One government official said that the incident “showed the need to look elsewhere for markets that are not using banned chemicals, but it is hard in places where government oversight is limited.” The UAE had recently banned the import of curry leaves from India, following the discovery of high levels of banned pesticides. The number of pesticides being monitored by the Ministry of Environment and Water has more than doubled from 92 to 190 as it strives to protect public health and ensure quality of fresh farm produce. The survey found that out of five internationally-banned pesticides, four were found to be common in vegetables sold in the Indian markets. The banned chemicals included chlordane, a potent central nervous system toxin, endrin, which can cause headache nausea and dizziness, and heptachor that can damage the liver and decrease fertility. BM
