Abu Dhabi: Some errant food outlets in the emirate do not learn from the experience of others which have been closed, named and shamed by the food safety authority, a senior official said yesterday.
Chinese Supermarket on Shaikh Zayed Street (formerly Al Salam Street) in Abu Dhabi city that ignored three slips for violations and two final warnings for violating food safety rules, was temporarily closed down on Thursday, Mohammad Jalal Al Rayssi, Director of Communication and Community Service at Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), told Gulf News yesterday.
“Some businesses learn lessons from others’ experiences; some understand the language of citation of violation or warnings. But some others understand the seriousness of food safety rules only when we close them down,” Al Rayssi explained.
He said the authority’s naming and shaming policy [of publishing the names of closed food businesses] has generally improved food safety standards in the emirate. “All food businesses are concerned about their reputation and do their best to rectify the violations as soon as they get the warnings. But the latest closure proves that there are businesses which only understand the harsh measure [closure],” the official said.
A press release issued by ADFCA said the owner of the outlet was given ample opportunities to take corrective measures. Three violation slips and two final warnings were issued since the beginning of this year. Apart from ordering the outlet to close, expired biscuits, tea, dried fish and sweets were destroyed on Thursday.
The authority pointed out that the charges against the outlet included the lack of a food control certificate, non-participation in food safety training, displaying food items without Arabic labels, stocking food items of unknown origin and general lack of hygiene.
Chinese Supermarket could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.
The authority called upon the public to read food labels carefully to know the ingredients and the expiration date and to call up 800555 in case of any food safety violations.
