Municipality steps up lab tests
INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN IMPROPER STORAGE MAKES FOOD UNFIT FOR CONSUMPTION
With a significant rise in the consumption of dried fruit and cold drinks during Ramadan, Dubai Municipality has asked consumers to ensure the food they buy is in good condition and has been properly stored.
Previous inspections found many retailers did not store foodstuffs properly, sometimes storing excessive quantities, resulting in temperature irregularities and, on some occasions, switching off the fridge.
“We want to ensure that food items being sold during the holy month are fit for consumption and meet our standards. During the holy month, dry fruits and cold drinks are our focus and we have intensified testing the quality and safety of these in the laboratory,” Maha Al Hajiri, head of the Food and Environment Laboratory, told
The consumption of dates, figs and other dried fruit increases during Ramadan and as people are fasting they tend to consume more and buy more soft drinks as well, she added.
She said the laboratory takes around 90 samples of various kinds of foods on a daily basis and if it finds any item not meeting the specification, it refers it to the Food Control Department for further action.
In the case of soft drinks, the laboratory tests can detect the percentage of caffeine, artificial colours, sweeteners, natural and industrial remnants while periodic checks are also undertaken to check these drinks for bacteria, coliform bacteria, faecal matter, yeasts and fungi so as to ensure consumer safety.
For dried fruit, the civic body checks that the colour, taste and external appearance are not affected. The chance of contamination increases in dried fruit in the case of improper storage, transportation and handling.
“Through tests we ensure that Consumers can call 800-900 to report any violations.
— SP these are free of yeast, fungi and coliform bacteria,” said Maha.
When they purchase any food items, consumers should check that these are not discoloured.
“If they suspect or see any store is not properly storing food items, they should inform the municipality and it is our job to take care of the rest.”