To make sure you do not consume all of the pesticides in fruits and vegetable, just ensure they are thoroughly soaked in water – saltwater works best – and peel the skin (Consumers in UAE worry about levels of pesticides in food imported from India, June 1).
Although it’s true that certain pesticides will penetrate the skin at a low PPM (part per million), only in very large quantities over an extended duration of time can this lead to any serious side effects. And it’s not abnormal for pesticides to be used in organic farming either.
Myles Sant-Cassia, UK
The report 'Unacceptable levels of pesticides' in food imported to UAE from India (June 1) is alarming. Be careful with fruits imported from Asian countries, because many of them don't take people's health into consideration.
Thomas Mnt, Dubai
Those shiny apples sold in some supermarkets are horrible. Even if I wash them well, the shine does not go.
Mariyah Fatimah, Al Ain
Challenges for Muslim students
I liked the story Muslim pupils in UAE to fast during exam time (June 1).
It’s refreshing to hear of someone so open to the challenges of keeping her studies up during this important and stressful time.
Muslim youth with similar academic deadlines around the world will be struggling with her.
Lisa Kereliuk, Dubai
Definite ways to improve life
In reference to the story 105 recommendations to improve Dubai’s way of life (June 1), the six themes – the Government of Happiness, Happy Family, From Waste to Resource, Avid Readers, Made in Al Quoz, and What’s in our Neighbourhood – are similar to the suggestions I made earlier to meet some of the challenges of Emiratisation.
The Happy Family, Avid Readers, and What’s in Our Neighbourhood remind us of the importance of the basics in life – stay close to the people you love, learn deeply about the world in which you live and be aware of and show concern for your community. Well done.
Name withheld by request
TV shows need English subtitles
What a wonderful list of Ramadan television programmes in yesterday’s newspaper. Such great programmes are broadcast every year, yet few of them have English subtitles.
As a non-Arabic speaker, I feel left out. Although I know a few Arabic words, it’s not enough to follow the storyline. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all the Arabic shows had English subtitles?
This way we could learn a bit more Arabic and feel that we too can participate just a bit more in this special season. I wish everyone Ramadan Kareem.
Steve Kaiser, Dubai
What’s the fuss about gorilla?
I refer to your editorial Man's inhumanity to ape (June 2). The incident reveals people's irrationality and illogical thinking, with many calling for a witch-hunt without reviewing all the evidence and available facts. Not only that, their mistrust in the professional decisions made by people at the helm is quite disturbing.
Name withheld by request
Do those people condemning the decision to kill the ape think that the zoo authorities should have let the child die for the sake of the animal? What kind of mentality is this? I wonder how their reaction would be if one of their loved ones were in this situation.
Maryam Al Hersi, Dubai