Abu Dhabi shuts down five restaurants and a supermarket over food safety violations

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has ordered the administrative closure of five restaurants and one supermarket for posing a risk to public health and repeatedly violating food safety regulations.

The closures, which affected outlets across the capital — including Khalidiya, Mussafah, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City — followed intensive inspection visits aimed at upholding the emirate’s strict food safety standards.

Among the establishments shut down are Karak Future Cafeteria, Lahore Garden Grill Restaurant & Cafeteria, Pak Ravi Restaurant, Saltie Desi Darbar, and Rukn Al Maqam Restaurant.

ADAFSA also closed Rich & Fresh Supermarket, located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

All were found to be in violation of Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning food safety in Abu Dhabi, with inspectors documenting repeated high-risk infractions that directly endangered consumer health.

According to the authority, closure notices were issued after the businesses failed to rectify earlier violations. Inspectors observed recurring serious breaches despite previous warnings, prompting immediate action. In some cases, establishments had entirely ignored mandatory corrective measures.

“The administrative closures will remain in effect until the underlying issues are resolved and the facilities fully comply with all food safety requirements,” ADAFSA said in a statement. “The goal is not punitive but preventive — to protect the health of all members of society.”

The authority emphasized that inspections are carried out routinely across all food establishments in Abu Dhabi, regardless of their type or size, as part of its commitment to ensuring safe and compliant food handling and preparation practices.

- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.