Can’t find any coriander? Missing your mint? Perhaps you’re pining for a pinch of parsley. You’re not alone – supplies of fresh herbs across Abu Dhabi are running low, due to more stringent testing for pesticides.
UAE rules recently became stricter on importing herbs that have not passed international standard testing, and, combined with the fact more people are cooking at home this month because it is Ramadan, stock in many supermarkets has run low.
Officials usually test around one per cent of imported herbs. Curry leaves from India were banned last year when it was found they had unacceptably high levels of pesticide, and were deemed unsafe for consumers. This put a strain on a number of retailers, including Lulu Hypermarkets.
