WFP dismisses reports on bad quality of Darfur food
September 8, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The UN World Food Programme (WFP) dismissed reports that North Darfur health authorities last week had destroyed food imported by the UN body because it was improper for human consumption.
The WFP said, in a press release, it destroyed “an extremely small quantity” of damaged sorghum, in collaboration with the North Darfur authorities, last week. It further said that it undertakes such measure when food is damaged by rain or during transport from Port Sudan.
The WFP was criticized by some daily newspapers saying it import food improper for human consumption. It was said that health authorities last week decided to destroy WFP food after discovering that the date of validity is expired.
The 110 MT of food recently destroyed at El Fasher was worth US$22,000. Recent media reports incorrectly stated that the food was worth US$2 billion. The total WFP Emergency Operation for Sudan in 2007 is valued at US$684 million.
Observers says such reports aim to distort the image of the UN humanitarian aid and to incite the internally displaced persons to leave the IDPs camps in Darfur.
The WFP said it is normal that some of food may occasionally become damaged during transport. The damaged food recently destroyed in El Fasher was collected since the beginning of 2007.
“All WFP food is tested by Sudanese government authorities at Port Sudan and receives all necessary clearances and is deemed to be fit for human consumption before it arrives in Darfur.” The WFP said.
(ST)