The Ministry of Trade building in Baghdad
Iraq denies reports of ‘poisoned wheat,’ says stocks are safe and tested
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Trade on Sunday denied reports alleging the presence of “poisoned wheat” in the General Company for Grain Trading’s storage facilities or in wheat delivered by farmers, stressing that all grain quantities are subject to strict laboratory testing during receipt, storage, and distribution.
“The Ministry of Trade categorically denies the presence of ‘poisoned wheat’ within the storage of the General Company for Grain Trading or in wheat marketed by farmers,” the ministry said in a statement.
It added that “all quantities of wheat received are subject to precise laboratory tests at various stages of receipt, storage, and supply, conducted by a specialized technical team from the control and quality departments under the direct supervision of relevant regulatory authorities.”
The ministry said that “spreading such claims without scientific evidence or official technical reports constitutes misleading public opinion and discrediting the efforts of national staff working to ensure the country’s food security.”
It urged accuracy in media statements and reliance on official sources before sharing information that could “damage the reputation of state institutions and undermine citizens’ confidence in national food safety.”
The ministry reaffirmed that “grain stocks across all sites are safe, sound, and compliant with approved standards,” noting that it continues to coordinate with oversight agencies to maintain “the highest standards of quality and safety in all operational processes.”
Iraq’s Ministry of Trade said on Aug. 5 that wheat reserves exceed 6 million tons, enough to meet demand through early 2027. The government annually buys wheat directly from farmers at subsidized prices and stores it in silos to maintain food security. Director Haider Nouri Al-Kar’awi said the country has achieved self-sufficiency for the third year and has begun local white flour production expected to reach full capacity within two years.