All exports of food, drugs tested by JFDA — Obeidat

AMMAN — The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) tests samples of all food products intended for export from Jordan, JFDA Director Hayel Obeidat said on Sunday.

“We conduct all the necessary tests either for food or for drugs before they are exported outside Jordan,” Obeidat told The Jordan Times over the phone.

However, some food products might be damaged or spoiled due to inappropriate handling and storing while shipments are being transported, he noted.

Obeidat’s remarks were in response to a news report claiming that Jordan exports spoiled food products to Iraq.

The report, published in an Iraqi newspaper, claimed that the export of these “expired” food products is arranged in cooperation with Iraqi merchants.

“Once we test the food samples, it is the responsibility of traders from the private sector to ensure the safe handling and storage of their products,” Obeidat said, adding that unfortunately some of them do not follow set regulations.

He also noted that the JFDA has not received any “official” complaint from the neighbouring country in this regard, while stressing that the administration is very cautious and is not lenient with those who violate food safety regulations. 

The same procedures are followed for exported pharmaceuticals, according to Obeidat.