Local vegetables, fruits are safe from pesticides

A study by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority's laboratories confirmed that vegetables and fruits produced last year in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi were compliant with regulations governing the presence of pesticide residues in agricultural produce.

The conclusion was on the basis of randomly selected samples from various markets in the emirate.

In regard to the presence of pesticide residues in imported vegetables and fruits, 96 per cent of all the samples were in compliance with the accepted standards.

The study, conducted between 2006 and 2010 covering samples from the local markets, confirmed that the local produce showed tremendous improvement during the period of the study.

During the first three years of the study, 70-80 per cent of the local produce was free from residues tested for, rising to 100 per cent in the year 2010. The amount of imported vegetables and fruits rejected on account of excessive presence of pesticide residues was double that of the local vegetables and fruits. Only 2.5 per cent of all local produce was rejected for having pesticide residues beyond the permitted levels during the early period of the study, while in 2010 there was no rejection at all. Some 5% of imported vegetables and fruits were rejected for the same reason.

The standards and specifications relied on were the same in the case of both local and imported produce.

Rashid Mohamed Al Shariqi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, said: "There are many initiatives currently underway in different parts of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for extensive farming reforms aimed at generating sustainable development. All these aim at supporting the farmers and guaranteeing them fair income and better produce," he added.

"The study revealed that the improvement in the quality of local produce was especially palpable in the year 2010. This progressive improvement came as a result of the Good Agricultural Practices implemented during the past few years and the intensification of monitoring on pesticide usage and awareness campaigns to educate the farmers on safe methods."

Al Shariqi hoped that the results of the study would strengthen consumer confidence in local produce, especially since they directly reach the consumers fresh from the farms. "Increased confidence in local produce is an important step towards self-reliance, translating the idea that 'we eat what we produce' into reality.

The study also included local and imported dates, with the former being fully free from pesticide residues tested for in contrast to 85 per cent of the latter. 12 per cent of imported produce contained residues within the permitted levels and 3 per cent exceeding them.

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