On the eve of the UAE authorities imposed a ban on the import of fresh products from the state of Kerala of India in connection with the outbreak of the Nipah virus.
The UAE government has banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala, India due to the outbreak of the Nipah virus in the region. The ban touched about 100 tons of fruits and vegetables. The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment (MoCCAE) on Tuesday announced that the ban is based on information published on the World Health Organization (WHO) website about the Nipah virus outbreak (NiV) in Kerala, India.
According to the WHO, the spread of the virus are fructivorous bats of the family of the pteridae.
"According to preliminary information, the main distributors of the virus are fruit-eating bats: the virus is transmitted through the allocation of mice to the fruits that they feed on or touch," the ministry said.
"Mangoes, dates and bananas are the main diet of fruit-eaters. Virus transmission cases have been reported both from animals to humans and directly between people."
The legislative basis for the ban was Federal Law No. 10 of 2015 on Food Safety. The import ban was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus in the country. Also, local authorities, including the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, as well as the relevant regulatory authorities of other emirates, received orders to prevent the import of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala, India.
“The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Protection makes every possible effort to ensure food safety for consumers, drawing on international best practices. The task of the government is to ensure that people who purchase fruits or vegetables are absolutely sure that they are harmless. Monitoring food safety - a priority for the UAE, the government of the Emirates uses a reliable system of control of imported goods, protecting consumer health, " Does the Ministry.
It is worth noting that infection with the Nipach virus can lead to serious consequences. Initial symptoms of the disease: fever, headaches and muscle aches, vomiting and sore throat. In severe cases, the patient may fall into a coma and die.
Meanwhile, industry experts say the ban will also affect imports of fruits and vegetables from neighboring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, as most products exported to the UAE were actually grown in those states.
