Yemen Confirms Safety of UB Sugar Amid Import Controversy

Yemeni authorities and industry groups have addressed accusations that the Brazilian UB sugar brand contains high levels of heavy metals and may be linked to bee colony losses in the Hadhramaut valley. The importer and the Aden Traders' Association presented a suite of international laboratory reports from SGS and Bureau Veritas, confirming that recent shipments meet all applicable standards, including ISO 22000, HACCP and FSSC 22000 certifications issued to the producer, Usina Bela Vista in Brazil.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Salem Salman Al‑Wali met with senior importers and chamber officials in Aden to explain that a temporary precautionary hold was placed only on the specific UB sugar batch under review. Samples have been sent to accredited Yemeni labs for analysis, and results will be released publicly. The ministry emphasized that other Brazilian sugar varieties remain approved and safe for consumption, and praised the cooperation of the private sector in safeguarding market confidence.