RAK tests over 3,500 food, water samples

ras al khaimah — As part of intensifying inspection raids to ensure consumers’ health, the department of public health at the Ras Al Khaimah Municipality has collected and examined 3,545 food and water samples in the first half of 2018.

Of the 3,545 food and water samples collected, 146 failed to clear the set public health standards.

“The majority of the samples, exactly 3,399, proved to be fit for consumption and passed the set examination and analysis,” said Shaimaa Al Tunaiji, acting director of the public health department.

Al Tunaiji added: “Such a big task would not have been possible without our experts and sophisticated analysis devices.

“Some of these samples were received while others were randomly collected during inspection raids.”

Records show that in August, the municipal inspectors seized 145kg of cosmetic items and 363kg of food products, which are either expired or unfit for human consumption.

Al Tunaiji said: “The RAK municipal inspectors deal with no tolerance with any violation related to people’s health, and keep a close eye on all food and health institutions across the emirate.”

She warned that hefty fines, along with temporary or permanent closure, shall be imposed on erring institutions. “More inspection campaigns shall be launched to get a better control on the RAK markets.”