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ADFCA policy document to cover agriculture, food safety

ABU DHABI — The new policy document for the agriculture and food safety sectors at the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) will provide a comprehensive and integrated legal framework for the two inter-related fields in a way that complements the future vision of the Government of Abu Dhabi and the policy directions of the federal government of the UAE.

The policy document, currently being prepared in consultation with all the stake holders, is based on international best practices and is in tune with the local conditions on the ground. A consultative meeting was held to discuss the draft of the document with external stake holders on Thursday. This meeting came close on the heels of another that was held in the same week to discuss the document threadbare with internal stake holders within the ADFCA.

In the meeting, Rashid Mohammed Al Shariqi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, said the efforts at raising the bar on food safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are integrally linked to the vision of the Government of Abu Dhabi to become one of the five best governments in the world in terms of a safe society and an open economy.

“Strengthening cooperation between the private sector and the public sector is the best guarantee for protecting the interests of the consumers,” he pointed out.

“The preparation of the policy document is aimed at better integration with the principal government objectives of guaranteeing food safety and food supply, besides promoting sustainable development for the agriculture sector. This document is a pioneering example of laying down the fundamentals of the authority’s responsibilities across the entire food chain, in line with national requirements and commitments,” 
he explained. “We look back with satisfaction at the efforts made and the cooperation obtained at the levels of both the emirate and the country to develop policies and regulations that keep pace with the best international practices. We hope to strengthen our activities for developing an integrated and coordinated monitoring system in tune with our commitments signed with the WTO and other international bodies,” he added. The Director-General said that the authority would hold further meetings with representatives of the private sector to seek their views on the policy draft. The draft will also be put on the authority’s website for feed back before passing on the governing board 
for approval.

Dr Mariam Harib Al Yousuf, Executive Director, Policy and Regulation, said the policy document would cover the entire food chain, including imported food and is based on solid foundations of risk analysis. “It will contain clear guidelines for risk management, plant, animal and human health and the discharge of all the responsibilities assigned to the ADFCA,” she added.

“It will seek to guarantee food safety and food supply for the consumers, in addition to the growth of agriculture in a sustainable environment. The ultimate objective is to contribute to the well being and social and economic prosperity of the people in the emirate. The document is in conformity with all the international treaties the UAE is committed to and was prepared under the guidance of experts in the field,” Dr Al Yousuf pointed out. —