Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) held a special ceremony yesterday at the Holiday Inn Hotel to honor food establishments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi that proved fully compliant with the rules and regulations governing food safety.
A total of 29 food establishments, out of 106 establishments with good track record including retail outlets, catering units and depots, were honored in the presence of senior ADFCA officials, including HE Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Food Safety sector, Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service, Basil Al Jabri, head of the General Food Inspections Departments and others.
HE Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi said on the occasion that food being an important commodity, the government was very keen on ensuring people's access to it in a safe manner at all times. "The establishments being honored here do deserve the laurels because of their steadfast implementation of all the rules and regulation governing food safety. Their commitment to safety rules create a competitive environment that encourages all food establishments to achieve the priorities with respect to food safety," she added.
HE pointed out that the criteria adopted for selecting the establishments for the honor were adherence to internationally recognized food safety parameters across the food chain, beginning with the various stages of food processing until it reaches the consumer. This sends out a message to all that food safety is a crucially important factor that contributes substantially to the well being of people at all levels. The establishments honored today stand out as examples for others to emulate so that one of ADFCA's primary objectives �ensuring access to safe food for all nationals and residents � are fully achieved, "she explained.
Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa said that 64 inspectors had conducted the preliminary evaluation of around 6000 food establishments. "They shortlisted 106 establishments that did not incur any safety violation charges last year. A special committee then took charge of the final stages of evaluation, leading to the selection of 29 establishments. 22 establishments won Grade A, 46 Grade B and 21 Grade C," he added.
The inspectors were also honored at the function alongside the food establishments for their diligent monitoring throughout the year to ensure food safety across the emirate.
