134 mobile food trucks get permits in Dubai

Emirates Islamic Food Distribution Drive

Dubai Municipality has issued 134 permits for the activity of mobile food trucks this year, a top official said.
Noura Al Shamsi, Head of Permits and Applied Nutrition Section at Dubai Municipality, said 203 such permits were issued last year.
She said given the mobile food truck increased activity during winter, the municipality gives no objection permits to the owners of food licenses in Dubai to conduct such activity in accordance with the health requirements.
"The kitchen area in the vehicle must be suitable for the permitted activities. The floors, walls and ceilings should be made of smooth materials; they should be easy to clean, non-absorbent of water, fire-resistant, light-colored, non-toxic and without cracks," said Al Shamsi.
She said owners must also provide appropriate ventilation and lighting and there should be double sink for washing small equipment so that it is close to the preparation area.
"It is also required to provide sufficient and appropriate places for storing one-time use packaging materials, and the equipment should be conveniently distributed inside the vehicle, so as to separate the various operations to prevent cross-contamination. It is not allowed to prepare raw materials, thawed meat, poultry and fish in the mobile truck," said Al Shamsi.
She said the activity should not to exceed more than heating operations, simple barbecue and frying for ready-made meals like burgers, sausages and French fries. "It is not allowed to clean and wash the vegetables in the mobile trucks and all vegetables must be sorted, cleaned, sterilized and stored in clean covered containers outside the vehicle in a licensed and secure place in order to avoid cross-contamination," said Al Shamsi.
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