Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has organized an inspection campaign targeting food outlets, including vegetable and fruit shops, public kitchens, and sweets shops, across the Emirate (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Gharbia). The campaign came in line with the authority's efforts to ensure food safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi ahead of Eid al-Adha, in view of the great turnout of customers at these outlets during this period.

Thamer Al Qasemi, ADFCA Spokesperson said the campaign focused on checking places allocated for storing, preparing and trading of food, to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety standards inside these outlets. He added that the authority's inspectors raised awareness among owners of these facilities about the importance of applying food traceability and recall system upon receiving of raw materials, storing foodstuffs at appropriate temperatures, as well as preparing them safely to avoid getting food poisoning.

He further added that the authority is intensifying its efforts through carrying out surprise and periodic campaigns on various food outlets during these periods.

 Al Qasemi indicated that the campaign's initial findings showed a noticeable improvement in the compliance of these outlets with the requirements of ADFCA. He added the campaign, which targeted 323 food facilities, resulted in issuing of 124 warnings and handing over 42 notices to various facilities. While 157 facilities were found to be abiding all the standards set forth by the authority.

Wishing happy Eid to all citizens, Al Qasemi called on public to report any violations concerning food products by calling 800555, urging them to avoid purchasing from unlicensed outlets.