Abu Dhabi: The sixth scientific committee meeting of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (Adfca), held in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, recommended formulating a specific action plan to enhance consumer awareness.

It also suggested enhancing inspection system for imported and local foods, said a statement issued by Adfca.

Implementing HACCP based food safety system, especially in the catering sector, in consultation with the private sector, is another important step.
HACCP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, is a systematic preventive approach to food safety and pharmaceutical safety that addresses physical, chemical, and biological hazards as a means of prevention rather than finished product inspection.

The meeting also suggested formulating specific action plans to enhance consumer awareness, aiming for behavioral change among people.

Rashid Al Shariqi, the director general of Adfca, in his opening speech highlighted the importance of international best practices adopted in the recommendations of scientific meeting.

Dr Mariam Harb Al Yousef, the Executive Director of the Policy and Regulation sector, reported key achievements and progress since the last scientific committee meeting held in November 2008.

The recommendations have also emphasised the importance of multi-functionality in Agriculture and its role in promoting food security, as well as recommending the implementation of the automated agricultural expert application for the key crops within the emirate.

It highlighted importance of deploying agricultural patters that optimise water use and adopting modern agricultural techniques. The committee also pointed out the importance to expand palm planting and introducing agricultural crops that are saline resistant and adaptable to dry lands.