Fears that fish, dairy products and vegetables from the Philippines are contaminated with cholera bacteria have led the Oman government to ban a whole range of food product, the Gulf News reports this week.
The announcement was made by the authorities in Oman after a health advisory had been released by the World Health Organisation warning of a potential cholera threat in some parts of the Philippines.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have already clamped down on the imports and sale of certain Filipino food products for the same reasons.
"We have directed all shops in the Sultanate to stop the sale of certain Filipino fish, dairy products and vegetables until they are tested for possible contamination," Said bin Darwish Al Alawi, Director General Of Health Control at the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, told the state-run Oman Daily Observer yesterday.
The measures apply to fresh and frozen fish imported from the Philippines, including seafood delicacies such as clams, mussels, shellfish and shrimps. Also covered are various seafood specialities, whether dried, salted or marinated. Milk and dairy items, as well as leafy vegetables are also banned.
Supermarkets and shops selling such items have been advised to remove them from the shelves and put them into storage until further notice.