UAE maintains high food safety standards

THE UAE food safety rating rose 24% in the last three years, and reached 98% in 2016, as per the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Improvements came as a result of changes in food safety management including better monitoring of imported food, training of food establishment employees and inspectors, and deployment of electronic inspection systems.

The Ministry’s collaboration with the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization brought about the application of an extensive framework of 87 components, identifying improvements in all aspects of food safety systems, including legislation and control protocols, as well as marking system for food laboratories’ effectiveness.

The food inspection team at Dubai Municipality conducted 23,983 inspections at food outlets in Dubai in the first nine months of 2016 of which 17,971 were routine visits. Over 300 outlets received a good rating that was introduced for eateries. But 163 outlets were temporarily shut down due to maintenance and hygiene issues, while 1,084 food outlets received an excellent rating during January and September. Over 7,000 outlets received a B (very good) rating compared to 3,775 outlets during the same period in 2015. Over 9,000 outlets received a C (good) rating. Global Village, Dubai’s leading seasonal cultural destination, had 293 food outlets which received excellent rating while 102 received good, during Dubai Municipality’s evaluation. Officials confirmed that visits are conducted daily to ensure safety procedures are implemented regularly by food establishments. Perhaps, the main reason for keeping stringent controls on food offerings at the festival is because it is visited by millions of people who usually shop as well as dine, inclusive of residents and tourists. Food kiosks, restaurants and other establishments inside the premises are subject to daily as well as surprise visits.

A venue to address issues

On Nov 27 and 28 this year, Dubai is hosting the 8^th International Conference of Food Safety, Quality & Policy. The event organized by Conference Series Ltd aims to bring together local and international experts in related fields to openly discuss issues and find solutions.