Know the law: Up to Dh2 million fine for flouting food rules in UAE

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Know the law: Up to Dh2 million fine for flouting food rules in UAE

Dubai - The law entitles a jail term of up to three years and fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh2 million.

By Web Report

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Published: Wed 17 Jan 2018, 12:36 PM

Last updated: Wed 17 Jan 2018, 3:27 PM

The Federal National Council (FNC) in January 2016 approved food safety law to ensure protection of public health and consumers. If found flouting, the law entitles a jail term of up to three years and fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh2 million.
Some aspects of the food law are:
Those found importing or distributing unhealthy and dangerous food items will face a prison term of up to two years, and a fine ranging between Dh100,000 and Dh300,000, or both.
The law also authorises the Ministry of Economy to impose fines of up to Dh100,000 for other offences regulated by the Cabinet.

The draft law also states a prison term of not less than a month and a fine of Dh500,000 for those found importing eatables containing any by-products of pork and alcohol without permission.

Besides, the penalties include fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000 for false description of food items.

Ensuring food safety
The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority ensures food safety and guarantees that the food items are fit for human consumption in the emirate. It often conducts research on safe food, issue rules, regulations and standards on food items sold or offered for human consumption. Besides, the department has also published a list of adulterated products to make people aware of harmful eatables.


However, in Dubai and Sharjah, food safety issues are handled by municipal authorities which ensures that food products have correct labels on them with proper mention of expiry dates. Random inspections across stores and restaurants are also done in order to catch offenders.
 


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