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200 food safety violations in Abu Dhabi every year

Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is concerned with the implementation of the food safety and hygiene laws.

At least 200 cases of food safety violations, including food poisoning, sale of bad food products and poor hygiene, are recorded at Abu Dhabi courts every year, according to Public prosecutors.
Hamad Al Dhaheri, head of the cassation public prosecution in Abu Dhabi, said during a media briefing at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department on Monday that the health of people is authorities' top priority and that laws regulating the safety of food should be complied with.
"Food is of great importance to human life and health. Therefore, the UAE leadership has enacted necessary legislations to safeguard the interests of individuals in this regard," said Al Dhaheri adding that food safety regulations cover the safety of food products right from farms or factories to transportation, storage, sale and distribution until they reach the final consumer.
He noted that the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is concerned with the implementation of the food safety and hygiene laws.
The official warned that individuals, outlets, restaurants and firms violating the laws can be slapped with fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh200,000, depending on the offence. Besides the fines, individuals prosecuted for flouting food safety regulations can also be imprisoned for a period ranging from one month and more than three months depending on the violations.
"Food establishments and outlets should ensure compliance with rules so as to protect public health," said Al Dhaheri.
"Stringent actions will be taken against violators including hefty fines and closure of the facilities caught flouting rules."
The ADAFSA carries out campaigns to spread awareness among food establishments on the need to comply with the food safety regulations.
The ADAFSA regularly checks food factories, restaurants, kitchens, meat shops or butcheries and other food outlets in Abu Dhabi and officials say most establishments are careful about adhering to regulations.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com