Labs keep tabs on fruits, veggies for pesticides
The national budget airline, SalamAir, is starting thrice-a-week direct flights between Salalah and Suhar from June 28.
A one-way ticket for the sector will start from RO 12. “We have added Stringent measures initiated against low quality food at the borders are bearing fruit.
Laboratories are level of pesticides in fruits and vegetables is below permitted levels, according to the authorities concerned.
The reporting the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, along with the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) and Customs initiated some measures last month to keep tabs on pesticide levels in fruits and vegetables. Erring companies were fined. These measures affected the Suhar to our seasonal routes and it is part of our expanding network,” the company said in a statement.
As per details available on the website, the flight from Salalah will start at 3 pm and reach Suhar at 4.50 pm.
The return flight will leave Suhar at supply of fruits, vegetables and other essential goods in the market, especially during the beginning of Ramadhan.
“We are receiving more than 300 samples of food every day as against 130 last month. We are open almost 24 hours,” says Vijayan T K, MD, The Global Laboratories and Testing, the only lab that tests agricultural crops for the ministry.
The lab carries out tests to assess the presence of pesticides. All samples are subjected to detailed chemical examination.
The ministry has other labs at the borders, while Muscat Municipality has one in Ghala for examining foodstuff meant for local consumption. 5.30 pm and reach Salalah at 7.20 pm.
Flights will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Oman Air had suspended its flights to Suhar in June last year as it did not achieve targeted results since inauguration in November 2014.
Last Thursday, SalamAir started operations to Taif in Saudi Arabia as part of the special operations in Ramadhan.
The company said it seeks to offer economical alternative to air travel in Oman, which is expected to grow around 40 per cent by 2020.