Hotel restaurant, juice factory in Abu Dhabi shut down for flouting norms

Abu Dhabi - The facilities will only be allowed to resume their work after improving their condition.

Authorities have reiterated its warning for food factories and restaurants in Abu Dhabi: stick to food safety and hygiene policies, or risk closure. Tougher penalties will be imposed on violators, they said.
No insects shall be spotted in food production area, and all products stored in refrigerators must be properly labelled with complete manufacturing dates.
These are just some of the hygiene standards that all establishments must observe, according to the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa). However, these rules were repeatedly violated by a juice and dairy factory in Al Ain, leading to its recent closure.
Adafsa inspectors had previously issued three final warnings against the facility in March and May 2018.
The authority also recently issued a decision to shut down the kitchen of a famous hotel in Abu Dhabi city, after it was caught flouting several policies.
Thamer Rashed Al Qasemi, director of the communications and community services department at Adafsa, said: "The administrative closure orders will continue as long as violations are in place. The facilities will only be allowed to resume their work after improving their condition."
"The facilities had received a number of warnings prior to the closure and had failed to comply with the health and safety rules."
He added: "Food establishments and outlets should ensure compliance with rules so as to protect public health. Stringent actions will be taken against violators, including hefty fines and closure."
Adafsa carries out campaigns to spread awareness among food establishments on the need to comply with food safety regulations.
It regularly inspects food factories, restaurants, kitchens, meat shops, and other food outlets in Abu Dhabi, and officials say most establishments are careful about adhering to regulations.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi