UAE: Don’t eat unfamiliar plants, campers warned

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has issued a warning to desert-goers about the risks of consuming wild or seasonal plants and herbs that grow during the winter in desert areas and camping sites after rainfall.

The authority advised against eating these plants without prior knowledge of their identity and ensuring they are commonly consumed by the general public. It also emphasised the importance of washing and cleaning plants thoroughly and consuming them in moderate amounts.

The authority shared several important guidelines for desert trips and camping through its digital platforms. These included ensuring an adequate supply of ice in coolers to store perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.

It advised storing raw meat and poultry in insulated bags separate from cooked or ready-to-eat foods like vegetables and fruits.

For canned goods like jam, cheese, tuna, and juices, it recommended using small-sized packages to ensure full consumption after opening.

The authority emphasised the need to maintain clean hands and tools used in food preparation and to use paper towels for hand cleaning.

It also advised using natural charcoal or wood for barbecues and keeping them away from gathering areas to ensure all carbon fumes and toxic gases dissipate before use.

It further recommended avoiding the use of plastic containers designed for cold foods to store hot foods.

In addition, the authority suggested using single-use food containers to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

It stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness both inside and outside tents, regularly disposing of food waste in sealed bags, and placing them in designated areas far from food storage sites.