Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) deployed special inspection teams ahead of Eid Al Adha to monitor the market and they found that a common malpractice is on the decline.
“To meet huge demand for foods during a festival like Eid, food businesses tend to transport the food items in ordinary vehicles [which should not carry food items]. It has been a very common violation but this year the inspectors found fewer numbers of such violations thanks to constant monitoring,” a senior official told Gulf News on Tuesday.
The special investigations teams set up ahead of Eid will be on duty throughout the Eid holidays, Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said.
“People can expect prompt action on any complaints related to food safety during Eid holidays. People can call the toll free number 800555,” he explained. Some staff members will be on call to meet any emergencies,” Al Reyaysa said.
He said the inspectors would give special attention to butchers and businesses selling meat and poultry which witness increased business during Eid.
The teams have been inspecting the animals sold for sacrifice in the cattle markets but no major violations have been found so far, said Al Reyaysa.
The official said a major challenge during Eid Al Adha is preventing animal sacrifice outside designated slaughterhouses.
“We discourage people from slaughtering animals at farms, homes, street sides and so on because it will affect food safety and the environment and pose a threat to public health.”
Veterinary inspection before and after slaughter, clean slaughtering environments to avoid contamination, ensuring environmental protection through safe disposal of blood, hides and inedible parts of the animal and prevention against diseases that spread from animals to human beings are all done properly in slaughter houses, he explained.
ADFCA officials conduct a series of meetings with the managements and veterinary experts of the slaughter houses and other relevant parties to prepare them for the spurt in activity and to pre-empt any undesirable developments. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has a total of 18 slaughter houses (four in the city of Abu Dhabi, six in the Western Region and eight in Al Ain and the surrounding areas). Veterinary examination before and after slaughter is mandatory in all slaughter houses and poultry farms in the emirate. The inspections will also cover the various outlets in which meat and poultry are sold such as hypermarkets and supermarkets.
As for actions against slaughtering animals in places other than the slaughter houses, it is the municipalities that monitor and take action. ADFCA monitors the operations inside the slaughter houses, he explained.
