Cough syrups seized from groceries in UAQ

Saif Salem Said, head of inspection section at the department, said the seizure was made in one of the intensive raids conducted on a regular basis across all areas of the emirate.

The Department of Economic Development in Umm Al Quwain has seized a variety of cough syrups being sold in some supermarkets and groceries in the emirate.
The outlets were found to be selling these syrups without the required licence and permission and posing a grave risk to public health, according to a top official.
Saif Salem Said, head of inspection section at the department, said the seizure was made in one of the intensive raids conducted on a regular basis across all areas of the emirate.
"The staff at the shop were also found giving medical prescriptions to customers on how to take the medicine and the daily dosage without any knowledge of the medicine or side effects."
The drugs confiscated did not hold any details on where they were manufactured, produced or imported from, he added. "There is no information in Arabic on the components or ingredients of the medicine as required by the UAE law."
The shops found violating the law were issued warning letters, and forced to sign a declaration never to repeat the violation, or be liable to permanent closure and a hefty fine, Salem pointed out.
"Some grocers are only concerned about making money irrespective of whether it comes from legal or illegal sources and disregard public health, and such greedy people will be stringently dealt with," added Saif Salem Said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Development is continuing its inspection raids at all institutions, particularly food outlets to ensure compliance with set regulations. Earlier, the staff inspectors seized large amounts of foodstuff, oils and perfumes which proved to be unfit for consumption. The products were prepared and packed in an unhealthy way at a shop here in violation of UAE law.
"The public is urged to report any such violation to the department on the Shaikh Ahmed Al Mualla road, by mail at (uaqecon@uaqecon.ae), or through mobile (050-1583999), phone (06-7652200), or fax (06-7653322)."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Umm Al Quwain