AMMAN - The Ministry of Health on Saturday warned the public against buying juice from street vendors and launched an inspection campaign to crack down on those who sell juices unfit for consumption.
Bassam Hijjawi, director of the ministry's primary healthcare directorate, said that as street-vended juice is often made with artificial substances and exposed to sunlight for long hours, it might be dangerous to people's health, and in some cases result in poisoning.
"People should avoid these juices, as they are not safe and will definitely lead to health problems," Hijjawi told The Jordan Times over the phone yesterday, noting that the water and artificial colouring used to manufacture the juices might not be suitable for human consumption.
According to Hijjawi, ministry inspection teams will work undercover both day and night to curb the sale of unsanitary juices, stressing that the public should think twice before purchasing a bag or bottle of juice from a roadside vendor.
"We want people to be aware of such products' impact on their health," Hijjawi said, adding that that the ministry is cooperating with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration in its inspection campaign.
Also yesterday, Hijjawi called on people with chronic diseases who are fasting this Ramadan to consult with their doctors.
"The majority of those who came to public hospital emergency rooms in the past two days were people suffering from chronic diseases including diabetes, blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases," he said, noting that some patients who should not fast insist to do so despite their critical health conditions.
He advised people to adopt a healthy and balanced approach during the holy month.
© Jordan Times 2010
