The UAE ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has instructed citizens to get rid of Japanese-made Kikkoman soy sauce they have purchased after the department has been told the condiment contains traces of alcohol, state-run news agency reports.
The instruction also hits the sale of the product across the UAE market, the agency added.
The ministry said the decision came after tests conducted on samples of the product by accredited institutions proved existence of alcohol content.
Soy sauce is produced by fermenting a soybean paste. Processing of the product can leave traces of alcohol.
Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims and is banned in several Gulf countries, mainly Saudi Arabia.
UAE, unlike other countries allows alcoholic drinks. Non-Muslims residents can get a liquor licence to drink alcohol at home and in licensed venues. The country also allows hotels and pubs to get a liquor licence. However, Sharjah, one of the Emirates does not allow alcohol.
