For the first time, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) is part of the official Hajj Delegation of the UAE this year, providing food safety services for the pilgrims. The ADFCA delegation will inspect the foods brought in for the pilgrims to ensure they are free from contaminants, oversee the practice of food handlers and guide them and the pilgrims on general hygiene.

Saeed Jasim Mohamed, Acting Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said it was the first foreign mission that the Authority was undertaking. "ADFCA's delegation will diligently work on ensuring food safety for all the pilgrims from the UAE, in addition to offering them advices and consultations. The delegation will also distribute leaflets and deliver lectures on various aspects of food safety. It is important to make sure the pilgrims are facilitated to perform the Hajj comfortably and without difficulties," he added.

"Food-related problems, such as food poisoning, are very likely to occur in places where large numbers of people congregate, especially if they are negligent about general hygiene and proper handling of food. Our delegation will focus close attention on all aspects of food served to the pilgrims, including storage, distribution and preparation. We seek the support of all pilgrims from the country and their cooperation to ensure the season of pilgrimage passes off without any food hazards," he pointed out.

ADFCA took care to spread food safety awareness among the pilgrims from the country in previous years, although it was not part of the official delegation. The inclusion of ADFCA team in the official delegation this time demonstrates the importance the authorities are attaching to food safety as a crucial component of hassle-free pilgrimage.