New inspection team to monitor Deira fish market

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has formed a new inspection team to ensure the quality and safety of fish, meat, fruits and vegetables sold in Dubai’s Deira Fish Market throughout the year.

The team was formed as part of a new, year-long campaign launched by the civic body.

Titled “Our Eyes Are on You,” the campaign will see the team comprising inspectors from food safety, assets management and waste management departments of the municipality keeping a close watch on the products and services offered in the market.

The campaign has been launched under the directives of Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, to ensure the quality and safety of food commodities available in the emirate’s markets, the civic body said in a press release on Tuesday.

Iman Al Bastaki, director of food safety department, said the campaign will strive to ensure that all traders of fish, meat and fruits offer the finest commodities.

“In addition to that, the campaign will try to ensure that the traders maintain the cleanliness of storage areas and comply with the rules and regulations, as well as adhere to the municipality’s food safety system,” said Al Bastaki. The official noted that dedicated specialist teams have been formed for the control of various food commodities such as fish, meat, fruits and vegetables considering the fact that the traders in the market deal with the public and constant special supervision is required throughout the year.

She said the team will monitor and report violators citing the specific type of violation and submit accurate reports to determine the safety of the food products offered to the consumers.

“The campaign has drawn good response from traders and workers in the fish market and the vegetable section. All workers have been given proper guidance with emphasis on the need to follow proper storage procedures and offer the finest foodstuff. They were notified that any commodity found unfit for consumption or not complying with the food safety requirements will be confiscated,” said Al Bastaki.