Zadna Ratings: Customers can now see food safety ranking of Abu Dhabi restaurants

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has started putting a ‘Zadna Rated’ sticker on the exterior of 6,900 food establishments in the emirate. These labels allow the public to conveniently obtain an assessment of a business’ food safety level by scanning the QR code printed on the label.

Zadna Rating enables the public to view ratings of food businesses based on their level of food safety compliance.

ADAFSA defines compliance levels for institutions, ranging from “Excellent” and “Very Good” to “Good” and “Needs Improvement.”

Evaluation criteria for food establishments include aspects such as design and structure, equipment and waste handling facilities, hygiene of food handlers, food handling and temperature-controlled areas, and food safety management systems, documentation and records.

The main objectives are to establish high quality standards and enhance the well-being of residents, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a preeminent tourist destination.

The installation of the labels will cover 6,900 food establishments, including restaurants, cafes, bakeries and caterers. The entire process is expected to be completed by the end of August.

The Zadna rating scheme has been launched as an electronic platform providing all Abu Dhabi residents, tourists and visitors the ability to review food business compliance assessments. It aims to improve their dining experience at restaurants, cafes and bakeries in the emirate. Access to the platform can be gained by going directly to the e-app, downloading a dedicated app or reading an assessment sticker displayed on the front of the dining establishment.

In addition, it carried out a separate assessment of institutional participation in the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center’s Sehhi programme. These measures are aimed at strengthening the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to provide safe and healthy food to the public, and to encourage and incentivize food businesses to improve and develop their performance and increase the level of food safety in the emirate.

In addition, the introduction of Zadna Rating increases consumer confidence in the Authority’s control procedures, increases transparency in presenting inspection results and incentivizes food businesses to strive for excellence. These positive developments help create a more flexible and innovative environment for economic activity.

The Zadna rating for restaurants, cafes, bakeries and catering companies is made up of two separate assessments, which are combined into a composite rating for food businesses, with a composite rating for each business. The first assessment examines the level of food safety and the level of compliance with food safety requirements and regulations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi based on the results of routine visits arranged as part of the annual inspection program implemented by ADAFSA.