Abu Dhabi: One year after Abu Dhabi implemented new standards for grocery stores, residents have a mixed response to the changes on their neighbourhood stores.
Many residents welcomed the new outlook of the stores with improved services. Some others have complaints, especially about lack of grocery stores. Small stores were closed down for failing to meet new standards but new stores were not opened in some neighbourhoods.
“Of the five grocery stores in my neighbourhood, three small ones were closed down and the remaining two are not able to meet the demands from customers,” Thahir Ahmad, 25, an Indian sales professional, told Gulf News. He is living in an apartment on Sawalif Saloon building near Al Jazira Stadium off Muroor Street.
“We used to get each and every grocery items delivered at our doorstep within 10 minutes. Now it takes 30 to 45 minutes or more, it is a big inconvenience,” Ahmad said.
“We depend on grocery stores for home delivery; otherwise we go to hypermarkets for major shopping,” he said.
Major retail chains such as Adnoc Oasis, Select Express, Spar, Circle K and many others opened convenience stores across the city to fill the void created by the closure of small stores. A few neighbourhoods like Ahmad’s are still waiting for new stores.
Standards
The grocery stores in Abu Dhabi City and outskirts were refurbished by January 2013 as per the new food safety and hygiene standards set by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA). A higher committee represented by relevant authorities of Abu Dhabi Government was overseeing the implementation of new standards announced in mid-2011.
Under the new standards, there are restrictions on the number of items on shelves, uniforms for staff, store security system, till machines, cooler boxes, bicycles for delivery, clear display of prices, corner storage room, overhead storage cabinets, clear shop front and wider aisles etc. There are optional items for adding value, such as ATMs, coffee counters and microwave machines.
“We received very positive response from customers about the new standards. Residents of Al Ain have requested to implement the same standards there,” a senior official told Gulf News on Thursday.
“We never received any complaints on lack of groceries in any neighbourhoods. If it comes to our notice, we will look into it,” Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said.
Inspectors
About hygiene in new grocery stores, he said the authority does not believe that all grocers understand hygiene standards properly. “Educating them is a continuous process and we are doing so. Inspectors will take strict action on serious complaints.”
He asked the public to contact ADFCA, if they have any complaints on hygiene standards in groceries.
ADFCA had said in 2011 that there were 1,300 grocery stores in Abu Dhabi City and outskirts. But the new figures were not readily available with the official.
Many residents welcome the new standards.
Khalid Al Muflehi, 25, Sports Coordinator at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, who lives at Al-Reef Villas, said “The new stores look more hygienic and more legit”.
Saeed Al Reyami, 25, Finance, professional, living in Al Qubaisat said new stores have everything customers need.
“There’s better organisation now, so that’s much better”
Shadi B., 26, a finance professional living in Karamah, said: “I do like the new ones. My main concern is about the storage and cleanliness, and with the new grocery stores, I am very satisfied with the hygiene, so it is something good”
With inputs from Sami Zaatari, intern with Gulf News
