DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Health officials say the United Arab Emirates has banned the import and handling of all pork products as a precaution against swine flu.

Abdullah abu Ruwaida, public health and environmental consultant for the General Secretariat of Municipalities, says the move is temporary and made in the interest of consumer safety.

A Dubai health department official involved in recommending the ban says authorities do not want to take any chances with the virus. Veterinary consultant Hisham Fahmi adds there is a possibility a form of the virus could be transmitted through pork products. However, global health experts have said the virus is not transmitted by eating pork.