Abu Dhabi launches inspection at meat shops

abu dhabi — The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has launched extensive inspection campaigns on butcheries and meat shops in Al Mina market and other meat markets to ensure the establishments comply with food hygiene rules.

The campaign is part of preparations to ensure food safety and storage conditions during the holy month of Ramadan and the summer months.

Thamir Rashed Al Qassimi, official spokeperson of the ADFCA, said the campaigns are in the framework of their routine field visits to protect the consumers.

“All meat outlets have to meet food safety and storage standards. We want to ensure that healthy and safe meat is sold to people,” said Al Qassimi.

“We want to make sure that all the equipment used by meat sellers meet the required standards and refrigerators and other storage facilities are in good condition.”

During the campaign, inspectors are checking the condition of the meat, general hygiene level and storage facilities at various meat shops. They also focus on checking the temperature of cold stores.

“Meat needs to be stored at very low temperatures to prevent the multiplication of harmful bacteria as this is a particular concern during summer,” said Al Qassimi. He said the campaign also involved spreading awareness among food establishments about the need to comply with the safety regulations.

Major food safety violations invite huge fines and stores can also be closed down for extremely unsafe conditions, or if they have many violations in a year.

We want to make sure that all the equipment used by meat sellers meet the required standards.” Thamir Rashed Al Qassimi, spokeperson of the ADFCA