FOOD LABELS ARE A MUST, SAYS OFFICIAL

An official at the Sharjah Municipality said the civic body has made it mandatory for all groceries to display food with labels that include ingredients, their source and the expiry date. The municipality carries out regular inspections in various parts of the emirate.

The municipality is aware of the homemade food whose sellers have taken to social media, he said. The municipality — in coordination with Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) — hands out licences for homemade food business after obtaining approval from the food control department which issues certificate after ensuring that the items are prepared in hygienic conditions. The department also ensures that the workers making the food are free of diseases and hold health fitness certificates. There are many investors involved in homemade food who have been issued licences and their business is regularly monitored by inspectors. “In case of violations, they are issued stern warnings,” the municipality official said.

An official at the SEDD pointed out that strict procedures are followed in cooperation with municipality, which include requiring the owner of the homemade food business to join the food health programme and obtain certificate of compliance of health and hygiene conditions. He said the violators face tough penalty — including fines and closure of business.