A delegation from the Higher Council for Health in Qatar visited Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA). The visit took place in the framework of the work plan for setting up the Qatari food safety authority, a project which is part of the national strategy of Qatar.
The delegation comprised Wasan Abdullah Al Bakir, Manager of Food Safety, Health and Environment and the Manager of the project to set up the food safety authority and Dr. Judwin Balinsijam, Consultant with the Qatari National Food Security Project and with the project to set up the authority. Among those who received the delegation were HE Dr. Mariam Hareb Al Yousuf, Executive Director, Policy and Regulation, HE Mohamed Sultan Al Nuaimi, Executive Director, Corporate Services and a number of senior officials.
The visit was aimed at learning the journey of ADFCA over the past eight years since inception, which marked it out as a landmark in food monitoring. The delegation wanted to benefit from the experience of ADFCA and to exchange ideas in certain areas, especially in developing a legislative mechanism for the twin sectors of food safety and agriculture across the food chain and in risk-based system for inspecting the local markets. The delegation was also briefed on the risk analysis system, HACCP in catering sector and FIMIS.
The delegation was also briefed on the Essential Food Safety Training for food handlers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and exams that the trainees appear for, in addition to a number of other functions of ADFCA. They were also given an introduction to the process of integrating food safety and agriculture and animal wealth, the setting up of the Farmers' Services Centre and Food Security Centre.
