The Exhibitions and Events Unit of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)'s Food Safety Sector has issued since the beginning of the year 30 warnings and violation slips against food establishments that took part in all the events and exhibitions, numbering 45 until now in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Ahmed Abdul Karim Al Sharaf, Acting Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said the violations and malpractices mostly consisted of unhygienic practices in the backdrop of massive turn out of visitors at the events, including the use of substandard tools, equipment and services.

Al Sharaf explained the erroneous practices ranged from high risk to medium risk, but were dealt with expeditiously in view of the short time span of the events. "The inspectors are occasionally forced to stop the functioning of some establishments up till the mistakes are rectified, especially if the violations are of a serious nature or the cooperation from the establishment not as desired," he pointed out.

Al Sharaf said the Unit would conduct inspections on the sites of events and exhibitions prior to the event to make sure the display and preparation areas were up to the task. "Licenses are issued for the activity only after these inspections are completed. Thereafter, the activities will be monitored closely during the events. Likewise, the vehicles bringing food to the events from abroad or other emirates also will undergo rigorous inspections," he added.

The Acting Director also said that the Unit had already begun overseeing the preparations for the Etihad Airways Formula1 Award events for this year, scheduled for early November. "The event is important from a food safety perspective as food will be served to more than 57,000 people every day. More than 100 food outlets will be serving inside the Yas Marina Circuit," he concluded.