Saudi Arabia reports pesticide residues on Indian vegetables, warns strong action

Saudi Arabia has reported instances of higher than permissible levels of residues on vegetables exported from India like okra and green chillies and warned to take strong action in near future if situation continues like this. 

Earlier, Saudi Arabia had imposed temporary ban on Indian green chillies in May 2014, which was revoked in January 2016. 

In a letter addressed to the exporters, Agricultural and Processed Food Development Authority (APEDA) has said that the exporters are not taking serious cognizance of the advisories issued regarding compliance regarding pesticide residue levels. "It may be noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have intimated that if this situation continues, they are going to take strong action in near future," said APEDA in the letter. 

Considering the sensitivity involved in the matter, APEDA has requested NPPO, India to grant the phytosanitory certificate, which is the plant passport for okra, green chillies and other vegetables to Saudi Arabia only on production of test reports from a laboratory recognised by APEDA to ensure compliance to the import requirements of Saudi Arabia.