Abu Dhabi: Prosecutors have demanded a harsher ruling against a food-and-beverage official at an Abu Dhabi hotel who was found guilty of altering the expiration date of fresh juices.
The official was fined Dh60,000 by Abu Dhabi Municipality Court, but prosecutors challenged the ruling before the Abu Dhabi Court of Appeals, according to court records.
The Public Prosecution said in a memorandum submitted to the court that the crime committed by the food-and-beverage official posed a threat to food safety and the health of consumers.
"The official must be made an example of those who would dare to harm the health and safety of citizens and residents," the memorandum said.
The defendant was fined Dh20,000 for using fake foods after altering their expiration date, Dh30,000 for allowing the use of these foods as the official in charge of food at the hotel and Dh10,000 for negligence and failing to abide by food safety rules.
The prosecution charged the official after he was caught while in the possession of juices which had had their expiration dates extended.
The juices were fresh, prepared outside the hotel but were not heat-treated, which increases the risk of poisoning for the hotel guests, prosecutors submitted.
Other charges
The official was also found guilty of storing cold raw meat outside the kitchen.
The defendant reportedly admitted the charges, but submitted a memorandum from the hotel management, justifying these acts.
However, the court turned down these justifications.
Food experts say the expiration term "Best if used by [or before]" date refers strictly to quality, not safety.
"This date is recommended for best flavour or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date," an expert said.
Best quality: Guide to food labels
"Sell by": This label tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.
This is basically a guide for the retailer, so the store knows when to pull the item.
The label is not mandatory.
The issue is quality of the item (freshness, taste and consistency) rather than whether it is on the verge of spoiling.
"Guaranteed fresh": This usually applies to bakery items.
They will still be edible after the date, but will not be at peak freshness.
"Use by": This is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality.
The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
