Insects are considered non-Halal food, according to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. ARCHIVE

Insects in food items? UAE debunks reports

There are no insects in food items sold in the UAE, according to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, debunking recent reports that have been widely shared on social media. According to the ministry, all food products sold in the UAE are insect-free. This comes after reports that “certain European countries” have allowed insects to be incorporated in some food items. "The ministry verifies.. that all food products sold in the country's markets.. comply with health regulations and accepted specifications, guaranteeing that all food items meet Islamic Sharia's Halal standards," according to the ministry. It said that insects are considered non-Halal food. "The ministry affirms that local regulatory authorities are compliant with the technical regulations and standard specifications, especially regarding food safety and health," it added. The ministry urged the public to verify information before sharing posts online. Earlier this week, Qatar announced a ban on eating insects after the European Union (EU) commission approved the use of insects in food production. The EU commission approved last month the use of mealworm larvae in food, as well as a product containing house cricket, bringing to four its number of approved “novel food” containing insects. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page