2.8pc of food samples unfit

Some 2.8 per cent of the food samples tested at the Sharjah Municipality Laboratory last month were found unfit for consumption.

The samples included milk, dairy products, drinking water, soft drinks, grain and poultry.

The laboratory analysed a total of 4,431 samples of food and drinks collected from various food outlets, factories and markets. It issued warnings to 34 food producers and importers.

The samples were found contaminated with harmful bacteria or chemical substances. Others had traces of pork or held two expiry dates, while some contained banned preservatives.

Sharjah Municipality conducts regular tests of the food and drinks in the market to ensure they comply with quality and hygiene standards of production.

It also monitors the production sites to check that they adhere to health requirements.