Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has disclosed that the use of new techniques and devices makes it easy and near fool-proof to detect adulteration, fraud or manipulation with meat sold in the markets.

The inspectors of the Authority use the new devices during their visits to butcheries and meat shops to ensure that the meat on display for sale is free from adulteration or other malpractices. This, in turn, spreads more trust and confidence among the consumers. One of the devices used by the inspectors help them measure the internal heat in the meat. This helps them prevent frozen meat being sold as fresh. The laser device used by the inspectors comes in handy to measure the general heat levels. This need not be brought in direct contact with the meat, thus avoiding any resultant contamination. Similarly, there are devices that accurately measure the moisture and acidity levels in the meat.

There is yet another device that measures the fat content in chopped or cut meat. There are GCC standards and specifications that govern the level of permissible fats in chopped meat and the use of the device serves as evidence in a court of law in case of violations.

Some meat sellers mix discarded meat parts with good chopped or cut meat to increase profits. In such cases, detecting the levels of fat in meat, fish or poultry products will reveal manipulations easily. As many as eight readings are shown on the device and their average will provide clinching evidence against manipulations. These readings can be transferred later to office computers, helping in the process of collecting evidence. The data thus collected are also used in risk analysis and quality management.

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said a total of 280 warnings had been issued during the first quarter of this year in regard to meats. "11 violations have been recorded during the same period. However, the good news is that the level of compliance with rules and regulations at butcheries rose to 85%. 1064 warnings were issued last year to meat shops, in addition to detecting 62 violations. The total number of butcheries in the emirate is 333. As compared to last year, we are happy to note a remarkable rise in levels of compliance," he pointed out, adding that it was a result of relentless monitoring and intensified awareness campaigns by the Authority.