The Jordanian Ministry of agriculture has banned the importation of Syrian fruit and vegetables due to the presence of high levels of pesticide residues, the Syrian side has denied these charges, RIA Novosti reported citing the Syrian newspaper al-Watan.

Jordanian media reported that the Ministry of agriculture of the Kingdom Monday banned the imports of Syrian fruit and vegetables on the cars through the border checkpoint "Nasib", which opened in October 2018. The rationale for this decision was "a high level of pesticide residues", as well as protection of local farmers from the Syrian products offered at a much lower price.

In comments to the newspaper al-Watan the head of the Association of the Syrian chambers of agriculture Muhammad Casto denied the content of pesticides in the Syrian products. "Fruits and vegetables are processed by a special system of the Ministry of agriculture of the SAR, it is safe and one of the best in the world," explained Casto.

According to him, the pesticides does not exceed international norms, and the substances are "not wasteful".

In turn the newspaper in his article says that such steps of Jordan "can be considered as a submission to American pressure and the fear of competition".

In December 2018, the Jordanian authorities banned the import of all Syrian vegetables and fruits except apples, grapes and carrots. Since may 1, was banned the import of 194 names of Syrian goods to the Kingdom.
 

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