Umm Al Quwain: Falaj Al Mualla Municipality has shut down a cafeteria for one week for serving expired shawarmas, according to a report by the Arabic Daily Al Ittihad.
The cafeteria was also fined for storing fruits and foodstuff in an unhealthy manner in labour accommodations, and for using food products that are a year past their expiration date.
Salem Khalfan, Director of Falaj Al Mualla Municipality, said that a complaint was made to the municipality that the cafeteria was storing fruits in an improper manner, and in locations not meant for storing foodstuff. After observing the location, it was revealed that the cafeteria was storing the foodstuff in a fridge in labour accommodations located directly behind the cafeteria.
Khalfan said that the cafeteria was previously shut down four months ago for three days for not abiding by health regulations and violating public health laws.
He said that if the violation is repeated, the commercial license of the cafeteria will be revoked, and the owner will be forbidden from practicing this activity.
Khalfan urged food establishment workers and owners to abide by set health regulations and food standards, and to issue health cards for cooks to ensure that they are free from any contagious diseases.
He said that the municipality carries out inspections on a daily basis on all kinds of food establishments, such of which are surprise inspections to determine whether the establishments are abiding by health regulations. He pointed out that the municipality also collects random food samples and tests it in the municipality labs.
