Beef pepperoni is back in UAE market

Dubai: The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has confirmed that a beef pepperoni product that was withdrawn from the local markets is now safe to consume.

The reassurance to the public comes after the ministry took all necessary precautions “to ensure consumer safety following concerns over potential contamination of pepperoni beef with listeria monocytogenes bacteria.”

In a post on X, the ministry confirmed that, in collaboration with local regulatory authorities, all necessary precautionary measures have been taken to ensure consumer safety over potential contamination of pepperoni beef with listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

“Investigations and inspections revealed that the involved facility has implemented all required preventive measures to ensure the safety and compliance of food products,” the ministry stated, without naming the company or brand.

“It was also verified that the products available in the market are completely safe and meet all health and regulatory standards. The ministry reaffirms its unwavering commitment to food safety and public health through ongoing coordination with all relevant authorities,” the ministry added.

On January 11, the ministry had announced that it was investigating the potential contamination of a brand of pepperoni beef and as a precautionary measure ordered withdrawal of the product from the UAE markets.

The ministry’s action had followed a notification from the Gulf Rapid Alert System for Food (GRASF) that facilitates the immediate exchange of information about health-threatening food products among GCC countries. The system uses a standardised methodology and mechanism for quick responses, enhancing the ability of GCC countries to take preventive measures and effectively protect consumer health.