Similar meetings to take place with all fast food chains
Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) held an awareness session with 50 senior officials from the Kuwait Food Company � Americana in Abu Dhabi. Kuwait Food Company runs a host of fast food chains in Abu Dhabi, which include Kentucky Chicken, Pizza Hut, Hardees, Crispy Cream Donuts.
Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said it was the first of a series of awareness drives aimed at spreading food safety awareness among fast food chains. "In view of the advent of summer in which the risks of food-related problems and food poisoning increase and considering the popularity of fast food chains, we decided to hold educative sessions with all of them," he disclosed.
ÙAl Reyaysa said the fact that these chains had a central governing structure made it easier to communicate the message of the Authority to the maximum extent. "Given the popularity of these outlets and their wide geographic reach, it is important to make sure they adhere to the safety regulations to the letter and spirit. The recent punitive closure of one such outlet reinforced the need for more caution," he added.
"Since these chains have outlets in far flung areas of the emirate, we are also tightening surveillance on the transportation and storing of food products. Exposing food products to heat is one of the principal causes of contamination," Al Reyaysa pointed out.
During the meeting, ADFCA inspectors distributed booklets and pamphlets in both Arabic and English, explaining food safety procedures and the rules and regulations governing food safety in the emirate. ADFCA's focus is not to achieve food safety through punitive measures alone, which are secondary. The main focus is on educative efforts and awareness drives.
