Exam for food handlers is vital

The recent policy adopted by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) to ensure safety of food is a welcome step. ADFCA has made it mandatory that all food handling staff attend a food safety training programme and pass its exam.

So far, only a total of 37 per cent of food handlers attending the programme have passed it. The programme looks at the various stages of food preparation including cleaning, cooking safely, chilling safely and avoiding cross-contamination.

"It aims to provide food handlers with adequate knowledge and understanding of all aspects of food safety to ensure that food is handled safely in food businesses throughout Abu Dhabi", said Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, ADFCA Director of Public Relations and Communication.

Ensuring the hygiene of food is important and one that should be implemented across all food outlets as it is an assurance of quality as much as safety.