If you’re planning to visit the UAE or any other GCC nation, or maybe you happen to be an Indian expat returning from home, then you will want to be careful about the kind of food that you carry. After all, certain traditional delicacies from abroad can sometimes have certain ingredients that may be banned in the sultanate or maybe other countries. Yes, this comes after an Indian expatriate from Bihar was recently detained at Abu Dhabi International Airport on July 23rd after he was seen carrying a Raskadam, a traditional sweet containing poppy seeds.
Indian Expat Detained For Reportedly Carrying Raskadam
If you happen to be someone who is carrying a traditional delicacy from abroad for family, make sure you are aware of the ingredients inside the dishes. After all, if it contains something that is banned in the country, you might get detained. Something similar happened to an Indian expatriate from Bihar at Abu Dhabi International Airport. He was allegedly found carrying a traditional Indian sweet, Ras Kadam. This traditional sweet contains poppyseed, which is known as khaskhas, postadana, or gasagase, which is a popular part of Indian cuisine.
While the seeds are widely used in the country, it is, however, banned in Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Poppy seeds are prohibited or strictly regulated due to their association with opium poppy. As revealed by the Royal Oman Police, poppy seeds fall under the list of prohibited narcotic substances. So, as revealed by Times of Oman, importing or exporting such items can attract legal penalties.
One Must Be Careful Of The Ingredients In The Food
Coming back to the incident, the Indian expat’s family appealed to the Embassy of India in the UAE and India’s Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and facilitate his release. His employer had also reportedly approached the relevant authorities as mentioned in the report. This incident is an example for expatriates and other travellers to carefully review the customs regulations before carrying food items across international borders. While many ingredients are perfectly legal, some of them, even though common in other countries, might just be illegal in the Gulf.
Also Read: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, A New Museum To Open In Saadiyat District This December
What Is Raskadam?
Raskadam is basically a traditional sweet from the Indian subcontinent. It has a stuffing of soft and creamy mava, and it takes you on a trip down the sweetest stories of Bengal. A perfect traditional sweet for celebrations and intimate gatherings, it is quite famous in the country.
However, while travelling, it is important to note that one is clear about what kind of food items are allowed and what aren’t. Moreover, not just for food items, but make sure that you are well aware of the prohibited list so that you are not unknowingly carrying them.
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FAQs
What is raskadam?
Raskadam is delish traditional sweet from India.
What is raskadam made of?
Raskadam is a traditional sweet which has a filling of soft mawa.
