The Rafik Hariri International Airport issued a statement Tuesday requesting that airlines ask travelers not to carry fruits and vegetables in their bags. “The airport’s [administration] asks that all of these companies not allow the travelers on their planes toLebanon to carry fruits and vegetables in [their] bags,” the statement read. “This is because the Agriculture Ministry is currently implementing a project to combat fruit flies on Lebanese territory [and wishes to] prevent them from being transferred into the country.” According to the statement, the decision was based on a memo sent by Agriculture Minister Akram Chehayeb to theGeneral Directorate of Civil Aviation on June 11. The general directorate was asked “to take the necessary precautions to prevent the transfer of these insects through the fruits and vegetables that travelers carry from [other countries] in their private bags.” The ministry announced a new initiative to combat fruit flies last December, as the pest is deemed a serious threat to the agricultural sector.
The Daily Star
