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Mobile sale of fruits, vegetables on rise

DUBAI/SHARJAH/ AJMAN — Due to the closure of vegetable and fruit markets, hypermarkets, groceries and food outlets, a large number of unlicensed trucks are seen parked in some residential areas of Ajman, Sharjah and Dubai for selling various kinds of vegetables and fruits to people.

by

Afkar Ali Ahmed

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Published: Sat 6 Nov 2004, 10:57 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 2:29 PM

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Mohammed Attia, Deputy Director of Health Section of Ajman Municipality, said that these trucks are definitely violating health and hygiene regulations as they keep the vegetables and fruits exposed to the bacteria in air, which may cause food poisoning to people, specially children.

Dr Attia pointed out that since some kinds of vegetables and fruits are very sensitive to contamination, clean holders and containers should be kept in these mobiles in a thoroughly hygienic condition. They should also obtain a valid licence from the respective municipalities, he added.

“The transportation companies and vegetable shops are responsible of ensuring sale of quality vegetables and fruits throughout the emirates,” he asserted.

He said that vegetables and fruits found unfit for human consumptions would be confiscated by the civic bodies. Besides, the vegetable and fruit sellers not holding licences and violating the hygiene and health regulations would be punished by the civic bodies, he added.

Maha Al Mustafa, a housewife residing in Ajman, said: “Since hearing the news of the passing of our great leader, Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, we were in a state of shock and could not purchase things of our daily needs. So when these trucks came to our areas, they solved our problem. We are buying from them, as their products are also cheaper than the market. Since we understand that these vegetables may not be hygienic, we wash them well to ensure safety consumption.”

Duria Osman Sati, from Sharjah said: “All groceries and hypermarkets around my area were closed and I found it difficult to go to the cooperative society as I don't have transportation. I, therefore, preferred to buy vegetables and fruits from these trucks. I also found their products cheaper than the market prices.”

She said these trucks do not come to the residential areas in normal days. "They are here due to the closure of supermarkets, knowing well that many people need the items of daily consumption," she added.

Asma Ali and Awatif Osman Siddiqui, also from Sharjah, expressed their condolence on the passing of Shaikh Zayed. They said that the feeling of grief and sorrow defeated their interest in shopping.

“We are buying from these trucks as we are in need of these items for Iftar and Sahour. We have no other choice but to buy from them as all outlets are closed in mark of respect for the departed soul of our great leader,” they said

Hala Rashid and Mohammed bin Bahi who were buying vegetables and fruits from a truck standing in Al Quoz Area near the cement factory in Dubai said that they are buying fruits from such trucks everyday, even before the passing of Shaikh Zayed "as they find it cheaper and very near to their house. It helps a lot with closure of markets and outlets, as people need such kinds of vegetables and fruits daily.

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