Abu Dhabi warns 10,987 food businesses of violations

Abu Dhabi: As many as 10,987 food businesses in the emirate of Abu Dhabi were warned for minor violations in the first quarter of this year.

The data was released on Wednesday as part of an update shared by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) on World Food Safety Day (June 7).

In the first quarter of 2023, a total of 33,643 inspection visits were made to food and agricultural establishments (both plants and animals) operating in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Of these, 20,001 visits were in Abu Dhabi, 9,378 in Al Ain and approximately 4,269 in the Al Dhafra area.

Such routine inspections are designed to monitor and correct any wrongdoing, employing approved procedures, follow-up visits to ensure compliance or visits to address executive orders or closures.

In the first four months of this year, about 46% of the businesses surveyed fully complied with all food safety requirements. In addition, 10,987 businesses (33% of the total) were warned for minor violations. Non-compliance was found in the lowest 2% (703 businesses), prompting ADAFSA to take appropriate action.

In terms of food cargoes inspected during the same period, some 23,866 consignments were inspected at Abu Dhabi ports. Among them, 23,860 shipments were released, while only 6 shipments were rejected in the first quarter of this year.

ADAFSA recognizes that food safety is critical to serving the community. To achieve this, it is committed to implementing best practices throughout the food chain, employing effective control systems and comprehensive awareness programmes. These initiatives follow international best practice and risk analysis principles to ensure that the provision of safe food enhances community welfare and safety.

To promote collective responsibility for food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illness, ADAFSA actively engages all stakeholders. It plays a vital role in verifying the safety of food consignments and production and agricultural inputs received through border crossings. ADAFSA works to raise community awareness of best food practices.

ADAFSA works closely with global food safety agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). This commitment stems from ADAFSA’s commitment to complying with the highest global food safety standards and protecting human, animal and plant health.

By adopting the standards developed by these agencies, ADAFSA aims to maintain food safety, prevent the spread of food-related illness, and enhance its preparedness and response capabilities during food-related emergencies.

ADAFSA invites all sectors of society to actively contribute to strengthening food safety systems. It also encourages the public to communicate with them and report any irregularities found at any food establishment, such as non-compliance or suspected food content, by calling the Abu Dhabi Government’s toll-free number 800 555.

ADAFSA’s Customer Happiness Team will handle complaints and take necessary steps to ensure safe food is provided to all members of the Abu Dhabi community.