Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has reached out to the local population in Delma Island in the Western Region through its first awareness program on food safety and animal and plant health.
Explaining the significance of the program which addressed a number of farm owners, animal breeders and members of the general public, Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA said reaching out to the various parts of the emirate, especially the far-flung areas, was crucial in achieving the goals of the Authority evenly in all areas.
"The purpose behind programs such as this is to raise the public awareness about food safety issues so that the fruitful partnership between the Authority and the public produces better results. Our ultimate aim is to achieve maximum sustainability in all areas of our concerns, be it food safety, farming or animal wealth," Al Reyaysa pointed out.
The program consisted of several lectures and discussions. Dr. Jamal Musbih, Meat Inspector, drew attention to the performance indicators which confirmed that concerted awareness drives did produce outstanding results. "The drives played a big role in reducing the instances of food poisoning and food safety violations and in raising the level of compliance at all levels," he said.
Dr. Hamid Ragab, Acting Manager of the Animal Welfare & Extension Services Section, dwelt at length on the comparative advantages of the concentrated hay feeds being provided by ADFCA. "Compared to the traditional feeds alongside which they are fed, they cater much better to the nutritional needs of the animals provided they are given in the right quantity.
The program also included audio-visual presentations detailing the right methods and best practices in the areas covered during the program.