The smuggling of eggs from the West Bank into Israel continues. "Globes" reports that in the middle of last week, inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture Central Investigation and Enforcement Unit thwarted an attempt to smuggle about 18,000 eggs with forged markings that were to be sold in central Israel, potentially posing a risk to public health.
The eggs were seized at the Rantis Checkpoint, near Beit Arye. A truck arriving at the checkpoint was inspected by Ministry of Agriculture Central Investigation and Enforcement Unit inspectors. While an initial check showed only an empty truck, a more thorough examination revealed a double-wall concealing about 18,000 eggs with forged markings. The truck driver was detained for questioning and admitted loading the eggs, originating in Ramallah, in Beitunia. Following a veterinary's order the eggs were transferred for destruction and legal procedures have been initiated against the truck driver.
The Director of the Central Investigation and Enforcement Unit Roy Kliger said that the eggs were to be sold around Israel and that their seizure was made possible by the unit's cooperation with Israel Police, Border Police and the IDF.
In 2016, the Ministry of Agriculture has thwarted the smuggling of one million eggs from the Palestinian Authority to Israel. Since this is a "health sensitive" animal product, the Ministry of Agriculture prohibits the marketing of eggs produced in non-regulated conditions. In addition, the ministry acts to ensure that eggs are stored in an appropriate temperature and that the shipping conditions match those set by the Veterinary Services.
The Ministry of Agriculture asks the public to buy eggs only from authorized vendors, where the eggs are kept cooled, in a temperature of under 20 degrees, and to ensure that egg cartons are closed on both sides (the eggs are not exposed to human touch).
How can we tell if the markings on the egg are forged?
- Make sure that the markings on the eggs are continuous, clear and uniform.
- Verify that the stamped markings include that name of the sorting facility.
- Verify that a "sell by" date is stated (which includes two dates: 1. "Sell by" date and 2. "Best before" date for storage in a refrigerator).
- Make sure that the markings on all of the eggs in the carton are identical and that the sell by date is the same.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 24, 2016
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