UAE restricts some fruit and vegetables imports, bans Egyptian peppers

The UAE has banned imports of “all varieties of pepper” from Egypt, according to The National. The ban, effective on 15 May, spans a number of fruit and vegetables from Egypt, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, and Yemen over concerns of high levels of pesticides. UAE’s Climate Change and Environment Ministry said “countries affected by the ban must submit certificates that indicate all other vegetables and fruits are free of pesticide residues before imports can resume and they have been asked to comply with the food safety standards adopted by the UAE.” Kuwait and Saudi Arabia had taken steps over the past few months banning Egyptian peppers as well.