A number of poisoning cases have been reported from labourers and low-income people at the Sharjah Municipality and hospitals after having consumed expired or nearly-expired meat chicken fish fruit and vegetables. Such foods are found to be sold by unlicensed mobile vendors in Friday markets in the emirate's industrial areas.

The mobile vendors allegedly cook food using expired products. These vendors also stand accused of collecting expired and almost expired foodstuff from supermarkets and other food outlets for free or for very little money and re-selling them to people living in and around labour accommodations in industrial areas.

Speaking to Khaleej Times Mohammed Al Kaabi Head of the Inspection Section of Sharjah Municipality said his section has received a large number of complaints from people about the food vendors who come out on Fridays. In response the municipality carried out several inspections targeting these vendors and their products. The municipality was also notified of a number of food poisoning cases among workers who were duped by these unscrupulous vendors.

Al Kaabi added that some food outlets get rid of their expired food by giving it to the mobile vendors who cook it and sell as meals along with rice. The public health department inspectors have also found local restaurants selling food made of expired products.

In 2015 a total of 120 tonnes of expired meat fish chicken fruits and vegetables found unfit for human consumption were confiscated by the municipality. So far in 2016 the municipality has confiscated and destroyed six tonnes of expired food items.

Working in coordination with the Sharjah Police and other departments 360 mobile vendors were detained in 2015. Some of them were also found to be residing in the UAE illegally.

The municipality has also intensified its inspections during the weekends to curb the practice and safeguard the health of local workers.

In addition it was found that in many cases the food was not stored in the required temperature.

"They must realise that meat requires high cooling and may develop poisonous bacteria if cooling is inadequate. This can lead to food poisoning. Fish should be placed in separate compartments and not be mixed with other commodities as it is very sensitive to contamination" Al Kaabi noted.

He urged residents of industrial areas to call 993 to report any such illegal practice.

Door-to door sales

A high-level official at the Sharjah Police said several inspection campaigns have been carried out in coordination with the Sharjah Municipality and immigration officials following complaints about vendors knocking on the doors and offering food products at cheap prices.

The police recently detained 68 such vendors for selling food items and fake products. All have been referred to the immigration department for deportation.

Police have said a multi-department plan drawn up in coordination with other government departments will continue in an effort to curb mobile vending and other illegal activities in Sharjah.

The police official stressed that local residents can play their part in ensuring safety in Sharjah by informing authorities about any illegal activity happening in their area. They can alert the police by calling 999 or 065632222.

Some residents also expressed fear over the food sold by these mobile vendors.

Ibrahim Khano owner of an accommodation for workers said one Friday about three workers fell seriously ill with vomiting cramps pain and fever after eating the chicken curry and rice bought from the vendors for Dh2. They were rushed to the hospital where they received treatment. He noted that the mobile vendors are active on Fridays especially in industrial areas 3 4 9 and 15.

Batool Shinnaaz a housewife who resides in industrial area 6 said many Asian vendors knock on her door to sell cheap vegetables fruits and meat.

"Sometimes I buy from them if I see the food items are in good condition; if the items look spoiled and rotten I send them away" she said.

Afkar Abdullah