TONNES of South African oranges meant for re-export were destroyed by authorities last month as they were found unfit for human consumption, according to an official.
Twenty-three tonnes of the fruit were dumped in the Askar landfill following tests by the Plant Wealth Directorate of the Agriculture and Marine Resources department at the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
“The oranges were imported some time ago by a trader who sold a part of the consignment in Bahrain,” said the directorate’s plant protection and quarantine section acting chief Ali Balah.
Tested
“They passed the tests upon entry.
“However, whenever such a consignment is meant to be re-exported, it has to pass through us and get tested again to ensure it is safe for consumption.
“In this case, the oranges were found to be rotten and had to be destroyed.”
According to Mr Balah, the oranges were buried in the Askar landfill where they were mashed and covered after being sprayed with pesticides and disinfectants.
Meanwhile, the total number of consignments imported topped 2,944 in June, revealed a statement released by the directorate yesterday.
Of these, 2,550 consignments were of fruits and vegetables which were tested as well at the kingdom’s three entry points – representing the highest number of imports into Bahrain.
Out of the 2,550 consignments, 13 – seven vegetable consignments and six of fruits – weighing 295 tonnes were re-exported.
Mr Balah said that separately two consignments weighing 29 tonnes were exported and one shipment weighing 23 tonnes was rejected.
Forty plants brought in by passengers in eight consignments were also tested and none of the consignments contained agricultural pests.
The plant protection and quarantine section earned a revenue of BD40,444.350, of which BD39,540 was brought in by the plant quarantine department and the remaining BD904.350 by the plant protection department.
The statement also said that 141 import permits for plants and plant products were issued while 15 licences issued to import pesticides and green house equipment sold to farmers were worth BD379.150.
The ministry also dealt with 18 demands to study the density of palm trees and see whether they could be replanted for urban uses.
The statement said an auction of locally-grown mangoes was held last month and sold at 750fils per kg. A total of 1,240kg of ripe mangoes were sold for BD930.
reem@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))