UAE- 10 food outlets closed in Sharjah in 3 months

4/25/2016 5:05:35 PM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Sharjah Municipality has destroyed 1211 tonnes of food items found to be unfit for consumption and has shut down 10 food outlets in the emirate temporarily during the first quarter of this year for failing to follow health regulations.

Dr Shaikha Rasha Al Qasimi Director of Health and Central Food Laboratories said that the Health Department at the Sharjah Municipality has conducted 12875 inspection campaigns targeting food outlets restaurants cafeterias manufacturers ice cream shops traditional kitchens fish meat and vegetable markets honey and date fruit shops groceries supermarkets and importers to ensure food safety for residents in the emirate.

The inspectors spotted 1211 tonnes that were unfit for human consumption which were all confiscated and some of them destroyed based on the company's requests.

She explained that the Food Control Section has been assigned to monitor the production and sale of the food items in all food establishments in the emirate. The section staff also work hard to provide awareness to food establishments about the importance of following food safety conditions.

The inspections also cover school canteens and vehicles that transport food to protect public health.

The inspectors withdraw samples of food items from various outlets and test them in the laboratory to determine their validity for consumption. In cases of food unfit for human consumption the whole quantity will be confiscated and destroyed by the municipality to protect health of residents.

Dr Shaikha Rasha pointed out that the food safety programme the second phase of which was launched last month has helped a great deal in ensuring that most food companies are following the conditions and safety rules.

The programme was designed to assure that food outlets are abiding by health conditions while distributing preparing and presenting food.

She added that the food industry is expanding tremendously as the municipality has recently approved licence for a large number of new food establishments after they assured that they would follow the rules.

Shaza Al Mulla Director of the Health Section said that the municipality makes great efforts to ensure public health in the emirate. The section has recently released 5877 imported food shipments after ensuring their validity for consumption and also issued 4871 permission certificates for food importing.

The municipality has also issued licences for 183 new food establishments in the emirate and provided 100 food outlets with appreciation certificate for implementing the food safety programme.

The Health Section also approved 224 applications for discount promotions at hypermarkets and supermarkets. The section is also following up with water in schools and collected 44 samples of water from private schools for testing.

Afkar Abdullah

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