Al Ain eatery closed for violating hygiene norms

A major barbecue and grill restaurant in Al Ain city has been shut down for flouting hygiene rules, including presence of insects on their premises and preparing expired food products for customers.

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADAFCA) said they have ordered the closure of the restaurant located in Al Faydah area after it was caught violating food safety rules repeatedly, despite warnings.

The ADFCA said the restaurant maintained poor hygiene standards which posed a threat to public health.

Thamer Al Qassimi, director of communication and community service at the ADFCA, said the restaurant faced action for violations. "The restaurant had failed to clean up its act despite several warnings from the inspectors," said Al Qassimi.

"The inspectors found insects in the food store and other places and also expired foodstuff during their visits at the premises. The restaurant will remain closed until the owners rectify the situation."

He added that the extreme step to close down the restaurant was taken after repeated warnings issued to it went unheeded.

The official said that the restaurant can reopen with the permission of the authority after shaping up.

All food outlets, according to the official, are subject to periodic inspections to ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety norms. "All food outlets are required to follow rules in order to protect people's health," said Al Qassimi.

Outlets caught flouting rules are slapped fines that can go up to thousands of dirhams. The official urged traders to abide by food hygiene laws so as to protect people's health.

People were also cautioned about the dangerous fallout of consuming bad food and urged them to report all outlets selling them expired and spoilt foodstuff or those operating in poor hygiene conditions.

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi