Oman has joined four other Gulf countries in suspending imports of soy sauce products from Asia, following reports they could contain cancer-causing substances. A senior Omani government official said late Saturday, July 20, the restriction was applicable to 11 soy sauce brands imported from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
"The authorities have taken necessary steps to withdraw these brands from supermarkets and other outlets," he said. The ban would remain in effect until samples of the product are tested and proven safe for consumption.
Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all banned imports from varying countries in Southeast Asia of soy-based products and ordered their withdrawal from the market.
The moves follow reports that soy sauce from some Asian countries contains high percentages of Mepd-3, a carcinogenic chemical substance.
The Gulf Cooperation Council ― Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates ― suspended imports of Spanish olive oil earlier this month over fears it contained another carcinogenic substance called benzopyrene. ― (AFP, Muscat)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
