84kg of rotten fruits, vegetables seized

In an inspection conducted by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) on Tuesday in the Capital, 84kg of fruits and vegetables found unsuitable for human consumption were seized and destroyed while 41 vendors were issued warnings to improve their services and health safety measures.

The inspection was carried out at the city’s biggest fruits and vegetable market Mina Zayed. The inspection, according to the authority, was carried out to ensure that all the vendors and shops comply with the Capital’s health safety regulations and maintain the hygienic standards.

“This was our first inspection campaign this year, which, of course, is in addition to the regular inspections being done across the food chain,” said Mohammed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at the ADFCA.

He also said the focus on the Mina Zayed Vegetable and Fruits Market was to make sure the consumers are provided with fresh and healthy supplies in good hygienic conditions.

“Today, we were able not only to issue warnings to erring outlets, but also to create awareness among the workers at the outlets about the mandatory food safety requirements. The safety of the consumer is the red line we will never allow anyone to cross,” Al Reyaysa told reporters during the inspection.

According to vendors and shop owners, they were initially taken aback with the surprise inspection, but later felt comfortable to find the inspectors being very polite and doing their job professionally.

“The entire inspection went very well with inspectors not only checking each and every outlet carefully, but also interacting with us, sharing their expertise how to keep maintain the hygienic standards,” said Israr, a small outlet owner from Bangladesh.

“We are happy that we have not been asked to go for bigger premises or reduce the stock that could be a financial burden,” said Rustum Ali.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE