Sharjah steps up food, toy inspections

Sharjah: The municipality of Sharjah has intensified its inspections of food, toys and fireworks in preparation for the Eid Al Fitr holiday, it was announced Monday.

"In the interest of public safety we are cracking down on outlets that may provide food that is unfit for human consumption," said Engineer Sultan Abdullah Al Mualla, director-general of Sharjah Municipality.

"The Department of Public Health has already prepared a campaign in order to intensify surveillance during the holidays of Eid Al Fitr."

Targeted areas

The campaign involves monitoring fruit and vegetable markets, in addition to shops and restaurants that sell vegetables, fruits, meat, and other delicacies consumed during the preparations for the holiday.

"We have already intensified surveillance at ports and airports to monitor all goods that are imported into the country, particularly focusing on live birds," Al Mualla explained.

During the Eid Al Fitr holidays, health inspectors will make unannounced inspections at markets and restaurants. The move is in line with measures to ensure they are abiding to the municipality's health requirements.

"Fireworks and crackers are prohibited and we are making sure that grocery shops are not selling such items illegally to children who may misuse them and hurt themselves," he added.

Al Mualla also pointed out that the municipality was currently in the midst of an intensive campaign against supermarkets to ensure goods do not pose a health risk. The campaign also aims to ensure goods are stored in a healthy and sanitised environment.

Hazard to toddlers

Shops have also come under scrutiny and inspectors are on the lookout to make sure no shop is selling toys that pose a hazard to toddlers.

Meanwhile, as part of the Eid celebrations, public parks will be open from 10am to 10pm, instead of 8am, which includes all neighbourhood parks, the National Park, Al Majaz Park and Al Ittihad Park.

The Security Section at Sharjah Municipality will also enforce strict control along the streets of Sharjah to ensure that they are free from stray animals, in addition to maintaining the upkeep of vegetation in the emirate.

Cleaning prayer halls

The Solid Waste Department and the Division of Hygiene are currently cleaning prayer halls that will be used during Eid, Al Mualla added.

"Members of the emergency team are working around the clock and are visiting vital areas of the city that are usually visited by residents during the Eid holidays," he added.

"We urge residents to [keep the emirate clean] and not to throw any rubbish onto the streets, so that we can keep the city tidy."