UAE authorities have taken random samples of imported U.S rice from the local markets for the purpose of testing them to determine whether they are contaminated with lead, officials said on Sunday, according to Gulf News.
"It is a normal procedure in such cases. We want to make sure the rice is fit for human consumption," explained Dr. Mustafa Ghazali from the Food and Environment Control Center (FECC) at the Abu Dhabi Municipality.
"We have not banned the import of U.S. rice, but obtained random samples for laboratory tests. We want to be sure the lead rate in the rice does not exceed international standards or pose health problems," he told the paper.
Dr. Mutawakel Izzat, head of the FECC's quality control section, stated that test results would be announced within a period of two days.
He pointed out that adequate measures would be taken to protect the entire public from any health hazards if tests were to show that the rice contained a high degree of lead.
The move came after a decision this week by the Saudi Kingdom to ban the import of U.S. rice, after samples were found to be highly contaminated with lead. (Albawaba.com)
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