Food transport and distribution companies have been given an ultimatum to meet safety conditions set by the Food Control Authority or face suspension, a statement issued by the authority said.
The move was prompted by the fact that many food distributors use vehicles that do not comply with the requirements set by the authority, an authority source said yesterday.
"These distributors were initially given a deadline to obtain permits by the end of May. But many failed to meet the deadline and the authority is publishing advertisements demanding they obtain permits to run their business or face a ban," the source said.
To obtain permits, distributors must submit copies of health certificates of their drivers, along with copies of their trade licences and vehicle registration, the source said.
"Vehicles must also be checked by the authority's inspectors to ensure they meet food safety conditions."
The authority, he said, had also ordered suppliers and distributors of food to government and private schools to obtain permission to practice their business and to register the foods and snacks sold to these schools.
The source said distributors of foods to schools who failed to obtain these permits would be banned.
"Foods and snacks, which are not registered with the authority, will not be allowed to be offered at schools.
"Starting June 1 next year, grade three restaurants will have to use stainless steel equipment for food preparation and tables used for food preparation must be made from marble or stainless steel.
"The regulations are in line with a new plan to enforce stringent quality controls on all food items and to ensure hygienic conditions in restaurants, cafeterias and companies handling food are maintained," the source said.
The authority has recently been separated from Abu Dhabi Municipality to function independently, the transitional period is expected to end by December.
Inspectors, the source said, regularly inspected food outlets and took samples of any suspect food for laboratory examinations to check their fitness for human consumption.
He said the authority has been strictly implementing the Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Point System.
Under the system, people handling food items at all outlets and restaurants in the emirate are provided with food safety training.
"This training has been made mandatory by the General Directorate of Municipalities for all food outlets and restaurants," the source said.
The authority allows only those who pass a mandatory medical fitness test declaring them free from communicable diseases to handle food items.
"No one is allowed to sell any food without obtaining prior permission from the authority.
"The authority first analyses the item and permission is granted on finding it free from contamination and fit for human consumption."
He also called for public cooperation, saying the people should inform the authorities if they discover unfit food is being sold. Complaints can be reported to the police, he said.
