ILLEGAL ABATTOIR SHUT DOWN

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Director General of the Food Control Centres Saeed Mohammed Al Mehairy said that the Al Ain Public Prosecution has probed into the whereabouts of these unlicensed butchers.

The investigation revealed that four were of Arab nationality and one was Asian. "They were slaying cows, cattle and goats inside their house, located at Oud Attouba Aria, the Down Town of Al Ain City," said Al Mehairy. Every butcher has to carry a valid licence from the FCC to sell and buy meets, Al Mehairy elaborated.

FCC had received information that meat selling business was being practised illegally at Oud Attouba Aria in Al Ain. FCC in turn informed the police which kept an eye on this area and unearthed the operation. "The house where the animals were slaughtered was unhygienic. These people, Al Mehairy said, had broken the law by doing a business without having a valid licence. This was also in violation of the food control health norms, he added. FCC took serious note of it and immediately destroyed this operational place.

The food control centre in Al Ain had granted 1,730 licences for food stores on 2004, Al Mehairy said. He appealed to the people that they should inform the the authorities if they come across any illegally operated slaughter house.

Al Mehairy has also urged the customers that they should check the veterinary stamp before dealing with these outlets. He also sought the cooperation of the media to help fight this kind of illegal practice and to create awareness among public. The food control authorities have the responsibility to test food prepared in schools, storehouses, restaurants, canteens and cafes to ensure that the quality of food made available to public is up to the norms of the FCC.