Consignment of imported rice banned in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI — The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has banned the entry of a consignment of imported rice into the country. The rice, which is currently stored at Port Zayed, was tested and declared unfit for human consumption.

"The Abu Dhabi Customs Authority had requested a laboratory test of some samples of rice currently stored at Port Zayed by an importer," said Mohammad Galal Al Rayaysa, ADFCA's Director of Media and Public Relations.

"The examination of rice samples at the ADFCA labs confirmed that the rice was not fit for human consumption," said Al Rayaysa. He added that it was not even fit to be fed to animals.

Meanwhile, tracing the history of the rice consignment, an Abu Dhabi Customs source said around 22,000 metric tonnes of long-grain rice was initially procured from Vietnam and brought into Abu Dhabi as transit cargo on July 9 last year, after being disallowed entry by Iraqi authorities following serious quality concerns.

Since then, the importers, who brought the consignment into Abu Dhabi, had exported large quantities to Yemen, Djibouti and other countries. However, this particular rice stock has not been allowed into the UAE by ADFCA..

Source : http://www.khaleejtimes.com