The UAE has extended its ban on Kikkoman soy sauce to include bottles produced in the United States due to its alcohol content.
Last month, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change ordered restaurants and supermarkets to throw out Japanese-made Kikkoman soy sauce, after it emerged it was 1.5 per cent - 2 per cent alcohol
"The decision followed the results of the specialised and accredited laboratory tests that confirmed the product’s violation of safety standards," a news release read.
The decision specifically targets low sodium Kikkoman soy sauce produced in the US in 296ml bottles.
RELATED: UAE bans Japanese Kikkoman soy sauce due to alcohol content
Operational codes to look out for are 00105052ARW1420B, 00105265AMW0952B and 00105265AMW0953B.
The sale of alcohol is controlled in the UAE and only available from special licensed outlets and licensed hotels and bars, sold under certain conditions.
Kikkoman sauce is a naturally brewed product like wine or beer. According to the company's website, it is made from soybeans, wheat, salt and water. During the fermentation process, the wheat starches are broken down to sugars and part of the sugar is changed into alcohol.
"The alcohol adds to the aroma and overall flavour of our soy sauce," the company stated on its website.
The Ministry is following up with local authorities, such as the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, and municipalities across the country, to ensure prompt implementation of the withdrawal of the product from UAE markets.
