Abu Dhabi Food control Authority has announced today that the first event held lately on the initial requirements and standards for the retail/grocery sector has received high attention by owners and operators in Abu Dhabi. More than 900 grocery owners and operators attended this event on two separate days, to learn more of the new requirements and standards and its short and long term benefits.

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communications and Community Service at ADFCA said: �The groceries are a vital part of the Abu Dhabi community. During the event we intentionally clarified that grocery owners and operators will not be forced to close down if they implement the new requirements and standards.�

�The new requirements and standards are preliminary and all grocery owners and operators. They will be notified with the final requirements and a notification period for the completion of those requirements by the end of 2011. All grocery owners and operators are asked not to take any direct action until all requirements and standards are finalized. Many major food suppliers had shown their willingness to provide support.� He added 

The cost of implementation is highly dependent on the existing situation of the store; therefore, each case is dealt with separately. At the end of the day the main aim is to provide high service standards for customers in a highly competitive market. This initiative will show improvements and application of the best practices in the daily activities and services provided to customers.   If all grocery owners and operators co-operate with ADFCA to implement these new requirements and standards, an increase in competition, operational productivity, revenue and profitability will be the result of this initiative in the long run.