Abu Dhabi Food Authority bans killer plant

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) announced this restriction in response to a proactive campaign aimed at shielding citizens especially children and pets from the hazards presented by this toxic shrub. The ruling conforms to municipal and federal rules meant to establish a safer surroundings all around the emirate.

Thanks to its dark green foliage and vivid flowers, oleander is a perennial shrub frequently found in rocky slopes and usually planted along roadsides. Still, oleander is quite deadly even if it looks great. From its leaves and stems to its flowers and seeds, every element of the plant has poisonous chemicals that could damage the heart. If consumed, even minute levels of the plant can cause major symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal heart rate. Extreme circumstances can cause oleander poisoning to be lethal.

The ADAFSA Deputy Director General for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs, Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, clarified that the restriction is a required action taken to protect public health. She underlined that ADAFSA is committed to guarantee the security and welfare of the society, particularly for underprivileged groups like children and animals. Al Muhairi underlined that while maintaining biodiversity in Abu Dhabi, the elimination of oleander from urban areas is a crucial first step in establishing a safer and healthier surroundings for all people.

The choice also fits Abu Dhabi's greater dedication to using strict criteria of food and agricultural safety. It fits the "One Health" model, which acknowledges the link among environmental, human, and animal health. Al Muhairi underlined the need of community knowledge and cooperation in the effective execution of the prohibition; ADAFSA would cooperate closely with government partners to increase public awareness about the hazards of oleander. Launched in order to inform the public on the risks of this poisonous plant and guarantee the safe removal of current shrubs will be extensive awareness efforts. Residents and citizens are urged to help in this endeavor by noting oleander presence and following required safety measures to prevent coming into touch with the plant.

Concerns expressed by ADAFSA were mirrored by Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operations Affairs at Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transportation. He confirmed the department's dedication to collaborating with ADAFSA to remove oleander from public areas and to assist private landowners and facilities perhaps needing to get rid of the plant. He underlined that the cooperation between the two agencies is a component of a larger plan meant to raise Abu Dhabi's safety and quality of living.

Legal enforceability of the ban is provided by ADAFSA's Board of Directors' resolution number, 4 2024. It calls for all businesses and people to follow the ban and eliminate oleander within months following the official Gazette's publishing. Although the ruling is rigorous, it permits deviations in circumstances of scientific research and study. Oleander can still be grown and utilized in controlled circumstances for research and educational uses under ADAFSA's past clearance. This clause aims to strike a compromise between environmental preservation and public safety by means of scientific research encouragement.

Authorities are obliged under the ban to routinely check for compliance, clear any last oleander from metropolitan areas, and keep public awareness raised constantly. Residents should avoid touching or eating any unusual plants and assist with the eradication procedure, ADAFSA has advised. Should unintentional exposure occur, residents should call the Poison and Drug Information Services (PDIS) hotline at 800424, which runs 24/7 to help with poisoning crisis management.

Apart from the activities of ADAFSA, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi formally labels oleander as a dangerous plant, underscoring the necessity of its elimination. Likewise, oleander has been omitted from the public afforestation management guidance by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, which advises against its usage in parks, schools, protected areas, and other often visited sites.

Abu Dhabi wants to drastically lower the oleander risks by means of this all-encompassing ban and increased public awareness campaigns so guaranteeing a safer surroundings for all of its citizens.