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Abu Dhabi: Cheese lovers in Abu Dhabi don't need to worry about contaminated mozzarella, said Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA).
The soft Italian cheese, which is allegedly contaminated with dioxin, a carcinogenic chemical compound, is not in the Abu Dhabi market, a senior official told Gulf News.
"Our extensive inspections all over the market, following international media reports on contaminated mozzarella, proved that it is not available in Abu Dhabi," said Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, Manager of Communication and Information Department at ADFCA.
He said whenever such contamination is reported, ADFCA carries out inspections promptly to take samples for testing and further steps like banning the sale of the product, if required.
"Now we made it clear that is not available in the market," said Al Reyaysa.
Dioxins are a group of toxic chemicals that are byproducts of some forms of combustion and can also come from industry, including paper and pulp production, incinerators and businesses that use chlorine.
Japan and South Korea have suspended imports of the cheese while the European Commission had asked Italy for assurances the country's top mozzarella is safe to eat following the reports of contamination, reported Reuters.
Italy said on Wednesday, only a small number of buffalo mozzarella farms had been found to be using milk tainted with cancer-causing dioxin, seeking to avert a food scare over one of its most famous culinary treats.
Europe
Ban may be imposed
The European Commission warned Italy it could follow Japan and South Korea in imposing an import ban on mozzarella cheese unless it receives information on contamination cases later yesterday, a spokeswoman said.
"We will wait until 6pm and if we still haven't had a reply the commission will look at safeguard measures," the commission spokeswoman said, adding that among the possible measures is an embargo.
"The Italian authorities sent some information on Wednesday, but it was not complete," the spokeswoman said. "We sent a very firm letter on Wednesday evening calling for complete information to be provided."
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