The announcement came in view of the concerns over an outbreak of E.coli in contaminated cucumbers that have affected people in Europe. These cucumbers were reportedly imported into Germany and other European countries from Spain.

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said the Authority had received information about the outbreak from International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN). "The Authority has instructed its food safety officials to immediately reach out to the markets to pick up samples of imported vegetables and fruits and to subject them to the required tests," he added.

Al Reyaysa stressed there is no need for panic as the Authority is taking all measures to ensure food safety for the emirate. "We have intensified our monitoring activities. We are leaving nothing to chance so that the food safety situation in the emirate remains absolutely free from all possible risks," he reiterated.