Abu Dhabi: As residents in the capital begin planning their iftar menus and stock up their fridges for Ramadan, officials from the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) are working to ensure that every meal is a healthy experience.
As part of their surprise visits to food establishments across the emirate, ADFCA inspectors inspected 50 bakeries and sweet shops in the capital yesterday, issuing fines to four establishments and warnings for 15 other stores. In addition, eight kilograms of spoilt food items were destroyed during the visits which covered food establishments in Tourist Club Area, Al Khalidiya, Al Bateen, Al Karama, and along Muroor Road and Airport Road.
"The majority of food safety violations detected today had to do with lack of proper hygiene in premises, improper storage practices, absent or malfunctioning thermostats and air conditioners for maintaining proper temperatures, and employees failing to wear gloves and hairnets when preparing food," said Mohammad Al Fardan, deputy director of communication and community service at the ADFCA.
‘Greater demand'
"These inspections are conducted on a daily basis throughout the year, and cover all establishments in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. There will, however, be a greater demand for food during the holy month of Ramadan, and we have, therefore, intensified our efforts to ensure food safety for the public," he added.
Yesterday's visits also resulted in a warning for the bakery section at a Lulu Hypermarket in Khalidiyah Mall. Dr Mansour Abdul Latif, senior inspector at the ADFCA, explained that the concerns marked had however been minor in nature as they did not pose an immediate threat to public safety.
He also instructed shop assistants at another bakery and sweet shop in Al Khalidiya, the Qwaider Alnabulsi, to store eggs in a separate refrigerator than the one which held cakes, as well as to include expiry dates on all prepared products. ADFCA inspectors also checked 40 food establishments in Madinat Zayed on Tuesday.
Authority educates shopper on food safety
The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) is working to educate shoppers across the emirate of Abu Dhabi about proper food handling methods as part of its summer Smart Shopper campaign.
In addition to flyers and radio and print notices explaining how shoppers should avoid mixing food items with other products in their trolleys, the ADFCA campaign also highlights improper food handling practices, as well as other tips to ensure food safety and hygiene.
"The Smart Shopper Campaign aims to educate consumers regarding the most important safe shopping practices as well as the diseases that could result from handling food improperly," said Mouza Al Muhairi, executive director of food safety at the ADFCA:
Source: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority
