Central Municipal Council (CMC) members yesterday called for refrigeration facilities in trucks and pickups transporting fruits and vegetables.

During a session, they also urged the Ministry of Environment, General Organisation for Standards and Metrology and the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning to set rules for such vehicles. Members recommended to the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) to classify vegetables and fruits in terms of heat so that they don’t perish.

A proposal for refrigerated trucks was tabled by Member Mohammed bin Shaheen Al Dosari, representative from Khalifa City South. He said many fruits and vegetables being transported by ordinary trucks during the summer months can go bad and harm consumers.

He asked the Customs Department not to let non-refrigerated trucks bring in fruits and vegetables and ensure that traders adhere to basic safety rules.

Members urged the SCH to monitor and ensure pesticides content in vegetables and fruits does not exceed the limits and the Department of Agricultural Affairs at the Ministry of Environment to intensify inspection at ports and entry points to ensure the farm produce is free of pests. The council made recommendations to stabilise prices of animal feed following complaints by camel owners that prices are manipulated by dealers and sellers and urged the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to set a cap on prices.

Members called on the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning to conduct regular inspections and ensure vendors were licensed and do not manipulate prices.

At the end of session, councillors and staff took part in National Day celebrations. CMC Chairman, Saoud Abdulla Al Henzab, cut a cake and a buffet of local food and an art gallery were organised. The CMC building was adorned with national flags and images of Qatari heritage and key historical moments.

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