Egypt denies reports of strawberry export rejections over ‘carcinogenic substances’

CAIRO – 3 April 2026: The Egyptian Cabinet’s Media Center has denied reports claiming that Egyptian strawberry shipments exported abroad were rejected due to alleged carcinogenic substances and subsequently distributed in local markets.

In a statement posted on its social media platforms, the media center said that, following coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, all Egyptian agricultural exports- including strawberries- meet international quality standards and export requirements.

The ministry confirmed that the Central Administration for Agricultural Quarantine has not received any official notifications from any country regarding the rejection of Egyptian strawberry shipments due to contamination with carcinogenic pesticides, particularly in 2026.

It also highlighted strict regulatory oversight governing the registration and distribution of pesticides. Agricultural exports are sourced from certified farms that comply with approved pesticide use and regulations.

The ministry added that all strawberry-freezing facilities are accredited and supervised by the National Food Safety Authority, which ensures that shipments are free of harmful residues before export.

It noted that in the event of any rejected shipment, the Agricultural Quarantine authority and the Food Safety Authority are officially notified to take necessary measures and prevent recurrence.

According to the ministry, fresh strawberry exports reached approximately 37,985 tons since the beginning of 2026, compared to 29,828 tons during the same period in 2025.

In a related context, Egyptian agricultural exports continue to enjoy strong confidence among importers, particularly in European Union countries. Revenues from fresh and processed agricultural exports have reached approximately $11.5 billion.

The ministry attributed this performance to a set of decisive measures aimed at ensuring compliance with international export standards. It also urged social media users to verify information through official sources, warning that the spread of false claims negatively impacts the Egyptian economy and exports.