UAE fights Covid-19: Don't buy fruits, veggies from illegal street vendors

Abu Dhabi - Inspections are conducted round the clock to ensure the safety of all food products.

Published: Thu 28 Jan 2021, 9:46 AM

Updated: Thu 15 Dec 2022, 10:37 AM

By
Ismail Sebugwaawo

Buying fresh fruits and vegetables from unlicensed street vendors could be a health hazard, especially during the current Covid-19 pandemic, authorities have warned residents.

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Food products sold on the streets by illegal vendors are not subject to any regulatory standards or health measures and might increase chances of spreading the virus to community members, said authorities.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) urged individuals and food establishments operating in Abu Dhabi to refrain from selling food products on public roads using pick-up vehicles or any other unauthorised means.

Officials said selling food products requires a licence from the authority after implementing all the necessary health requirements for such activities.

Inspections are conducted round the clock to ensure the safety of all food products, including local and imported meat, at all stages of the food chain. The control measures include inspections at all abattoirs, shops and licensed sales centres, specifically to ensure they get a health certificate, a valid slaughter certificate and seals.

The ADAFSA said it recently launched a new awareness campaign to educate consumers about the dangers of dealing with illegal street vendors to support the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The campaign messages posted on its social media platforms highlight the importance of consumers’ commitment to buying only from licensed food stores. “To ensure obtaining high quality products, you must ensure that you buy products from authorised and licensed sales outlets only. Avoid dealing with unlicensed sales outlets, such as street vendors. They are posing a risk to people’s health because they are not under any control or health measures, which may contribute to increasing the spread of Covid-19,” said a campaign message.

Officials said illegal street vendors distort the civilised image of the emirate and urged residents to avoid buying from them and to report them to authorities so that legal action can be taken against them.

Residents can report street vendors through the Abu Dhabi Government Communication Center on 800555.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com