RIYADH – The Ministry of Agriculture has lifted the ban imposed on import of all types of chilis from India. The ministry banned the chilies on May 30, 2014 after high pesticide residues were detected in the commodity. The ministry's decision came following a clearance from its technical team after closely checking the procedures for the import of chilies into the Kingdom and ensuring that the product is free from pesticide residues, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. It was also found that the Indian Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) completely complies with the procedures to ensure safety of the chilies from any pesticide residues. The Ministry of Agriculture earlier decided to slap a ban on the import of chili after issuing an advisory to APEDA, stating that high levels of pesticide residues were detected in some consignments of green chili. Subsequently, APEDA advised exporters to adhere to the Kingdom's import requirements and urged the testing of products before they are exported. Meanwhile, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has lifted a temporary ban on the import of poultry products from Ukraine and beef from Belgium. In another development, a temporary ban has been imposed on the import of poultry products from seven French provinces after reports of breaking out of bird flu in the regions.
