According to Dr. Mariam Harib Al Yousuf, Executive Director of Policy and Regulation sector at ADFCA, 2500 small food companies, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi shall start the application of "HACCP" food safety project plan, at the end of next year; Dr. Harib pointed out to a grace period, that extends all through the current year for companies to adhere to the requirements of the project, its details and procedures, in preparation for the next stage.
Dr. Harib, on the sidelines of the Eighth Dubai International Food Safety conference, which wasopened yesterday, said that small food companies represent a challenge for any Control Authority due to its weakness in human and material capabilities and technical expertise, which characterize them, in addition to low education levels among workers dealing with food, which makes it hard for its staff to apply international practices in food safety.
She pointed out that the Authority aims at applying food safety management systems based on the principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP ) , including the design and development of systems, practices manuals and guidelines, in addition to the materials and equipment needed for the services sector to provide food for the pilot phase of the project.
Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah Director General of Dubai Municipality inaugurated the Eighth Dubai International Food Safety Conference, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, Chairman of Dubai Municipality, and is held with the participation of the International Association for Food Protection IAFP, and the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods ICMSF, and a number of local and international organizations working in the field of food safety, under the slogan " Creativity and Change Entrepreneurship".
Engineer Lootah, during the opening ceremony, delivered a speech in which he pointed out that the Eighth Dubai International Food Safety Conference session is an exceptional one because it is held in full coordination with International Association for Food Protection IAFP, and The International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods ICMSF.