Checks on eateries to be stepped up in Ramadan

Sharjah: The municipality Sunday announced that it is intensifying restaurant and public kitchen inspections in the run-up to Ramadan.

"The Food Control Section will increase the number of inspectors to tighten control on all food establishments during the month of Ramadan," said Sultan Al Mualla, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality.

Al Mualla explained that inspectors will visit ports and inspect containers that are transported from other emirates, and will carry out their duties in shifts to ensure that food is stored in sanitary conditions.

"As part of the campaign, we will also carry out regular visits to restaurants, cafeterias and public kitchens to ensure that employees are abiding by health regulations and that they are not endangering the public's health," Al Mualla said.

Health requirements

He pointed out that the inspection campaigns will also monitor storage of food in a temperature-controlled system, and that areas of preparation are sanitised, in addition to monitoring the level of hygiene in the facility and observance of other health requirements.

During Ramadan, health inspectors will visit commercial centres, supermarkets and groceries to monitor whether shop owners are also abiding by health regulations, and inspectors will take samples of products and test their validity at Sharjah Municipality's laboratory.

The municipality's inspections will be carried out for the rest of the summer months as well and will also ensure that refrigerators and freezers are not disconnected at night.

‘Special permits'

"Food inspections will be carried out throughout the day until midnight, particularly focusing on gatherings among residents where festivities are taking place.

"Establishments that sell food during Ramadan are required to obtain special permits for sale, as well as if they want to display food outside the store, said Al Mualla.