'0% alcohol' drinks comply with UAE standards

Dubai - The '0 per cent alcohol' malt drinks, which are on the shelves in local markets, comply with the Emirati standard specifications.

Rumours going viral about some malt drinks containing alcohol are "groundless", the Food Safety Department of the Dubai Municipality has said.
The '0 per cent alcohol' malt drinks, which are on the shelves in local markets, comply with the Emirati standard specifications.
Food products that contain a specific portion of ethyl alcohol have carbohydrate substances and sugar within its ingredients that may form a little portion of alcohol at normal level. It is the UAE standardisation authority that determines the maximum percentage of alcohol that such foods may contain, said the civic body.
Dubai Municipality said in a Press release on Tuesday that it is tasked with implementing federal legislations, and is not an Islamic or Sharia entity to decide such matters.
The question of Halal and Haram - what is permitted and banned in Islam - is the mandate of competent bodies such as the Islamic Affairs and Charitable activities Department in Dubai, the municipality added.
The municipality said all foodstuff and beverages that are available in the local market are subject to regular examinations and control, including lab test in order to guarantee that they conform to the approved standard specifications.
The Food Safety Department hence called upon the public to exercise balance while taking food in general.
The municipality highlighted that it does not aim in any way to promote or cause damage to any food product or a trademark; rather, it aims to make everything clear to the public so as to minimize the effects of disseminating incorrect rumours.
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• UAE