Dubai: Residents get free health checks, diet plans at food safety awareness walk

Several Dubai residents turned up at Zabeel Park to participate in the fun walk organised by Dubai Municipality on Saturday to spread awareness about the food safety pledge.

Launched last month by the civic body, the ‘I Pledge to Food Safety’ campaign targets homemakers, children, house help and anyone who cooks or handles eatables. It aims to collect at least 1 million pledges in the coming months.

The event was free for all to take part, and participants were given T-shirts. Pamphlets detailing necessary precautions for safe food handling were also handed out among participants. Also present at the event to add some fun and colour were the food heroes, a concept launched by DM to promote healthy eating among children.

Cristi Ana Dimayuga participated in the walk with her friend and children. The hygiene officer who works with the Mariott group said she thought it was the perfect opportunity to introduce the concept of food safety to her children. “Food is an everyday thing,” she said.

“Habits for safe food handling should be inculcated from childhood as it is one of the most important lessons for life.”

The Filipino national said she follows several tips at home to ensure safety. “I always cook food thoroughly,” she said. “We always wash our fruits and vegetables well. We buy our food from good sources and try to eat minimal junk. Also, most importantly, I wash my hands well before beginning food prep. It is surprising how many people miss this simple step.”

Before beginning, the participants were invited to warm up for the walk with several simple exercises. One of the event partners, Elite Home Body, was also providing free body assessments at the venue. A dietician was on hand to give healthy meal plans to those that required it.

Prashanth and Rony, employees of Lulu group, were also part of the walk. “Dubai Municipality reached out to several retailers including Lulu,” said Prashanth. “We came as part of the outreach programme to participate and lend our support to this initiative.”