In its second regular meeting this year at the Presidential Palace chaired by HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), the ADFCA Board, gave its approval to a number of projects and policy documents and proposals.
The Board approved the integrated policy document for agriculture and food safety and directed to publicize it and lay down the plans for its implementation as per the legislative programs and framework.
HH Sheikh Mansour stressed the importance of laying down efficient legislative systems that serves the requirements of ADFCA in keeping foods safe and secure and in guaranteeing the compliance of all imported foods with the best international standards even before entering the emirate. He emphasized the importance of suitable procedures for risk management in food safety so it minimizes health hazards to people and animals and plants.
His Highness also stressed the commitment of the Authority to the agricultural sector to ensure safe and secure food to the maximum extent possible and to achieve environmental and economic sustainability. He added it was important to preserve natural resources, ensure optimum use of water, protect agricultural lands and soil, dispose of farming waste properly and administer good pesticide programs.
The Board also approved during the meeting a number of projects and programs, including the risk-based inspection system on foods in local markets of Abu Dhabi along with the document that details the system for such inspection, requiring reallocation of resources and intensification of efforts in areas that pose a risk to human health. The system takes into consideration the needs for the sustenance of the food sector and for support for investments in it, besides the necessary flexibility for the growth of the sector.
The meeting reviewed the executive summary of the Environment, Health and Safety System of ADFCA and approved the construction and development of veterinary hospitals and clinics and the technical and health stipulations for various types of animal production units.
The Board also endorsed ADFCA's sponsorship for and organizing of SIAL Middle East in 2012 and the Emirates International Date Palm Festival and activities related to them. It also welcomed the project for the International Exhibition for the Farms of the Future to be held in 2013.
HH Sheikh Mansour thanked the Board and ADFCA officials and staff for the efforts expended in the past to streamline the organization's work.
