Boxes of spoiled oranges seized by Garmian Quality Control during an inspection in Kalar’s Alwa market on February 7, 2025. Authorities confirmed the shipment, totaling nearly 12 tons, was unfit for consumption. (Photo: Garmian Quality Control)
Entire shipment confiscated
Quality control authorities seize nearly 12 tons of spoiled oranges in Sulaymaniyah
SULAYMANIYAH — Quality control authorities in Sulaymaniyah’s Garmian Administration seized nearly 12 tons of spoiled oranges late Friday night at the Alwa market in Kalar after laboratory tests confirmed that the fruit was unfit for consumption.
Mohammed Kweikha Zand, head of the Quality Control Laboratory in Garmian, told 964media: “At 11 p.m. last night, we intercepted a large shipment of spoiled oranges in the Alwa market of Kalar, estimated at 10 to 12 tons.”
After testing, officials determined that the oranges were affected by a form of spoilage that rendered them unsafe. “The oranges were contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption,” said Zand. “If consumed, they could cause food poisoning and other health problems.”
Zand explained that although roughly 50% of the oranges initially appeared unaffected, further analysis revealed that contamination had spread throughout the entire shipment. “Even if part of the shipment looks fine, consuming any of it poses health risks,” he noted.
