Ministry of Health issues urgent warning: Do not consume this beverage
Following a routine inspection in Yokneam Illit, the Ministry of Health has urged the public to avoid the khat-leaf and fruit-based beverage GATRY. The ministry's investigation revealed that the manufacturer is unknown and the product violates Israeli food laws, which permit the consumption of khat leaves only in their natural form.
The Ministry of Health issued an urgent public warning today, advising consumers to completely avoid the beverage marketed under the name GATRY. This warning applies to all product sizes and expiration dates. The problematic item was discovered during routine inspection activities carried out by local authority officials in the city of Yokneam Illit.
A thorough examination by the Ministry of Health revealed that the drink is a blend of khat leaves and fruits. The production of this beverage is in direct violation of legislative provisions, as the identity of the manufacturer or importer, as well as the product's origin, remains unknown. Furthermore, the ministry emphasized that under Israeli food legislation, khat leaves are permitted for traditional use only when marketed and consumed in their natural, unprocessed form.
In light of these findings, the Ministry of Health warns against consuming the product and recommends that the public purchase food items only from known sources and authorized retailers. Simultaneously, the ministry's Food Service announced it will continue efforts to identify cases of food fraud, illegal production, and unlicensed operations. The ministry clarified that any violation of legal requirements in Israel will be met with all available enforcement measures in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
