Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) is currently inspecting all 340 kitchens in worker's accommodations in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi.

The move comes after panic among workers following the deaths of two people in a worker's accommodation at Al Ruwais. Authorities say the deaths were not due to food poisoning, despite workers’ fears, but it is thought the incident may have prompted the inspections.

Unlicensed catering companies and their kitchens are not immediately closed down at the moment, although they are issued a warning, said Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA.

“We have found that many of them are ignorant about food safety rules and we are educating them as part of our strategy to enhance awareness to ensure food safety,” he explained. Unlicensed facilities are given a chance to improve their status, the official said.

A licensed catering company serving food to worker's accommodations must get a separate license for its kitchens, a senior official told Gulf News on Monday.

About 225 kitchens have already got licences to provide catering, 99 are under consideration for licensing and 16 are under construction. All the labour kitchens will be issued licences by the end of this year.

“We have intensified field visits in the region to make sure no one operates catering activities without proper licences,” Al Reyaysa said.

He said warnings issued related to refreezing fish and meat after defrosting, possession of frozen food items of unknown source and details, use of dirty cloths for cleaning instead of paper napkins, using rotten oil for frying and keeping ready-to-eat food in improper conditions.

A medical emergency reported in a labour accommodation in Al Ruwais in Western Region on July 14 following the death of two workers caused widespread panic among workers.

The employer cited cardiac arrest as the cause of death of workers and the authorities also ruled out the food poisoning, contrary to the allegations raised by a section of workers. It seems the incident has prompted the authorities to strictly enforce the food safety rules in the worker's accommodation.