Dubai Municipality has responded to rumours about two popular food items – chicken nuggets and popcorn.

According to two statements issued this week, the Municipality first clarified rumours about chicken nugget containing rubber particles – after authorities in the US recalled more than 16 tons of chicken nuggets due to fears of it containing rubber particles.

Tyson Foods, the company involved, had informed that the chicken nuggets may not be safe to eat and had asked customers to return them.

“A few of our customers have contacted us and said to have found small blue rubber particles in the nuggets.”

The company confirmed the reports and removed the chicken nuggets after discovering the presence of particles from a rubber material as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In addition, the USDA also reported that there were no cases of illness due to the consumption of this product.

The product was followed up by the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality which verified that it ‘was not available in Dubai markets’ and is currently not being imported from the US

Dangerous popcorn bags?

Another rumour that Dubai Municipality’s Health and Safety Department quashed was regarding microwaving popcorn and the emission of harmful substances when heating popcorn bags at high temperatures.

DM affirmed that materials – including popcorn bags – imported, distributed in the local market or locally manufactured are subjected to strict control and testing in compliance with safety specifications and requirements in accordance with international and local best practices.

Moreover, laboratory tests are carried out to verify their safety, ensuring they are free from harmful substances. Dubai Municipality calls on all consumers in the UAE to avoid circulating such rumours before verifying the authenticity of the source.