The public can view food safety tips on the Dubai Municipality social media channels.
Dubai - The food safety department has distributed 7,000 brochures across Dubai to give people tips on safe food storage and shopping.
Published: Sun 15 Apr 2018, 7:56 PM
Last updated: Sun 15 Apr 2018, 9:59 PM
Consumers are equally responsible for maintaining food safety while dining at restaurants and food establishments, the Dubai Municipality officials have said.
The civic body inaugurated the GCC Food Safety Week on Sunday to increase people's awareness on how to dine out safely at Dubai restaurants by ensuring the served meals are hygienic and that leftovers are stored right.
Jehaina Al Ali, acting head of awareness and applied nutrition unit, said that residents should not compromise their safety when they choose to eat out at restaurants. "Since many people rely on takeaways due to their busy schedules, they should know their rights when it comes to being served at food establishments," said Al Ali.
While the municipality is keeping a close watch through inspections and new monitoring technologies, officials are emphasising the community's role in ensuring their own food safety.
The food safety department has distributed 7,000 brochures across Dubai to give people tips on safe food storage and shopping. "We want to spread the message and give precise tips for people until it becomes a culture," said Al Ali.
She added that the key is to make sure the food served is properly cooked without shying away from asking for a replacement if meals don't follow safety standards.
Since Ramadan is approaching, Al Ali said it is important for people to pay close attention to the buffet line. "When eating from a buffet, focus not only on just how the food looks, but also how it is kept. Make sure hot food is kept on steam tables or above burners."
"The golden rule when it comes to leftovers is keeping hot food hot and cold food cold," said Al Ali.
The municipality will be holding the food safety week until April 19, and the public can view food safety tips on the Dubai Municipality social media channels.
A tour around a safe kitchen
During the GCC Food Safety Week activities, Ikea set up a model kitchen at the municipality premises where employees and consumers were given kitchen safety tips.
Noor AbdelHalim Nasir, permits and food control officer at the Dubai Municipality, said starting with the fridge, people must make sure it is kept between zero and five degrees to ensure food safety.
"Place cooked food in the upper shelves of the fridge, while raw food such as vegetables and fruits in the middle, and meat at the bottom to prevent any juices from spilling and causing contamination."
Freezers, she said, should be kept from zero to minus 18-degree temperature. "About the kitchen shelves, people must ensure safe storage of lentils, beans and chickpeas by separating them with enough space for ventilation and ensuring no pests hiding."
Walking down your sink, Nasir emphasised using a separate basin when cleaning raw meat or chicken and other foodstuffs.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com
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