Dubai: Authorities have shut down a supermarket in Abu Hail after a worker was filmed handling peanuts and assorted sweets with his bare feet.
The incident occurred last Tuesday, confirmed a senior official at Dubai Municipality.
Sultan Al Taher, head of the food inspection department at Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News that a resident had reported the complaint to authorities, in addition to sending footage of the worker.
“We received the video two days ago and straight away, we took action. We were already carrying out food inspection campaigns in supermarkets and shops, as residents are preparing for Hag Al Laila. But never have we seen anything like this before,” he said.
Hag Al Laila, which means ‘For this Night’, is an annual traditional event that is celebrated to mark the arrival of the month of Ramadan. On the 15th day of the month of Sha’aban, children dress in traditional clothes and visit homes in their neighbourhood to collect sweets and treats.
“The supermarket owner was given a very big fine, although I cannot say how much. The shop was also closed down, and its staff have been ordered to attend training in food safety practices,” said Al Taher.
Users on social media expressed shock over the incident, and many agreed that authorities carried out the necessary steps. @Yousuflootah said: “@dubaimunicipality you guys should suspend the license of the establishment,” while Abdullah Abdullah said: “These unscrupulous people should go to prison and be deported.”
