Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) kicked off on December 16 a wise-ranging awareness campaign for picnic goers through regular visits to camping sites in different parts of the emirate. The campaign will last until February 2014.

ADFCA has called upon picnic goers to strictly adhere to food safety rules in order to preempt health complications and diseases transmitted through food. Inspectors of ADFCA and staff from the Awareness Section will visit camp sites and distribute food safety advices to picnickers.

Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said the campaign, conducted by the Awareness and Education Section, was aimed at ensuring that the transportation, storing and consumption of food was done in the safest manner.

"The first step towards food safety before embarking on a picnic is to separate the different types of foods from each other. Raw meat and chicken should be kept in bags or containers separate from those used for keeping cooked food or raw vegetables and fruits. Easy to perish foods such as meat, poultry, fish and eggs, should be kept in containers with plenty of ice," Al Rayssi advised.

Al Rayssi drew attention to the importance of avoiding the use of plastic bags meant for cold foods to carry warm foods. "All care should be taken to prevent cross-contamination. Hands and all the tools and containers used in cooking should be kept clean. Use of newspapers or torn cloth pieces should not be used," he added.

Al Rayssi warned against consuming seasonal plants that grow during the spring season or after rains without making sure they are edible. "Even after ensuring they are edible; all care should be taken to wash them properly