UAE plans to roll out new food safety systems early next year
Ministry working on a package of legislation to enhance inspection and regulation
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) plans to launch a new system for the control and inspection of food products in the UAE by early 2025.
The Ministry said it is coordinating with the National Food Safety Committee to study the issuance of a package of new legislation to unify and strengthen control over food products and regulate their circulation in the country. MOCCAE has informed the Federal National Council about the plan in a parliamentary report.
Focus on consumer safety
“This type of activity essentially ensures consumer safety, and this type of activity is licensed through the relevant authorities in each emirate, represented by the economic departments. E-commerce activity is also controlled through the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, and the necessary measures are taken against everyone who violates the terms and requirements of this activity,” the ministry said.
MOCCAE is currently establishing a special system for monitoring and inspecting food and its facilities within the country in accordance with Clause 5 of Article 5 of Federal Law No. 10 of 2015 regarding food safety.
“It is expected that the new regulatory system will be launched at the beginning of next year, as it will depend on a system of inspection frequency, according to the classification and levels of risk of the [food] facility’s activity, noting that tables have been prepared for the regulatory system, in accordance with what is applied by the competent local authorities, such as the RBS system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Raqeeb smart inspection system in the emirate of Ajman, and the food safety system in the Emirate of Dubai,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry said several punitive measures, such as warning, temporary closure, or permanent closure, will be taken against food establishments violating the new laws.
Criminal procedures
The Ministry clarified that it, or any competent authority, may take several punitive measures, such as warning, temporary closure, or permanent closure, if any food establishment violates the provisions of the Food Safety Law or its executive regulations.
This action will be taken without prejudice to any administrative procedure or penalty specified in relevant legislation.
Additionally, the law’s articles also outline the facility’s right to appeal decisions regarding temporary or permanent closure.