Food Safety Centre clarifies rumours about chemicals in agricultural products

Muscat: The Food Safety and Quality Centre has issued a clarification regarding the audio and video clips that were circulated on social media to reassure the public of the concern and fears raised about use of chemicals in agricultural products in the Sultanate of Oman.

In its clarification, which was monitored by “Times of Oman”, the centre indicated that there is no pesticide or chemical product that can reduce all stages of growth and development of the fruit in one night, as stated in the audio clip.

The center reassured consumers of the vigorous follow-up it does in all governorates, in cooperation with the authorities concerned to monitor and combat any prohibited agricultural practices. In addition to taking legal measures against violators in order to ensure the safety and security of products, the centre also aims to reduce the use of banned pesticides, through inspection visits, agricultural extension, awareness campaigns, sampling and laboratory analysis periodically, from farms or from various sales outlets.

The centre stressed the importance of not spreading rumours to limit the spread of false information and to avoid legal accountability.

Citizens had circulated video and audio clips in which speakers indicated the excessive use of chemicals in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, and that they are not subject to permissible standards.