Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have imposed a ban on imports of Spanish olive oil following reports that it could contain a carcinogenic substance.
The step was taken as a precautionary measure, said reports.
The Spanish health minister last week issued a ‘food safety alert’ following the discovery of benzopyrene in a particular brand of olive oil.
A health ministry official told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the ministry had withdrawn samples of Spanish olive oil from the market for tests and analysis at its laboratories to ensure that it is free of benzopyrene.
The ministry assured the public that “it is closely following the issue as part of its concern for the health of citizens and residents.”
The source said the ministry was in constant coordination with its counterparts in other Gulf Cooperation Council states – Albawaba.com
