SFDA told to monitor pesticide residue in food

The Shoura Council called on the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) on Monday to implement a regular program to monitor pesticide residue in food items sold in the local market.
The call came during the council’s 37th session chaired by President Abdullah Al-Asheikh on Monday. The decision was taken on a recommendation made by council member Mansour Al-Kiraidis based on SFDA’s annual report for the year 1434-1435.
According to a study, there is an increasing need to address the potential risks of combined exposures to multiple residues from pesticides in the diet. The question of synergy needs to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, where there is a biologically plausible hypothesis that it may occur at the levels of residues occurring in the diet.
Earlier, council members listened to a report prepared by the Health Committee on the SFDA report, read out by committee chairman Sattam Lingawi, Assistant House Speaker Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan told reporters after the session.
The council called on the SFDA to clearly specify its set standards and terms on medical equipment and products inside and outside of the Kingdom in a step to minimize violations at the local market.
The house also urged SFDA to train its administrative and technical cadres and attract qualified persons in coordination with universities and the Ministry of Education. The Council further urged SFDA to give utmost care to food and drug issues since they have a direct relevance to people’s health.
Later, the council heard a report prepared by the Committee of Water, Agriculture and Environment based on a report of the Saudi Geological Survey Authority (SGSA) for the year 1434-1435 read out by the committee’s chairman, Ali Al-Tikhais.
The council asked the SGSA to prepare a study on the use of remote-controlled vehicles (including drones) in carrying out geological studies, Al-Samaan said.