Dh300,000 fine on firms supplying 'unhealthy' foodstuff to schools in UAE

Abu Dhabi - The federal draft law amendment on public health was passed by the Federal National Council (FNC).

Firms supplying schools and educational institutions with foodstuff that doesn't meet the prescribed health standards will face fines up to Dh300,000, according to a new law.
The federal draft law amendment on public health was passed by the Federal National Council (FNC) with the aim of promoting food safety and healthy lifestyle among the people.
The draft bill, approved by the FNC members during a virtual meeting on Tuesday evening, spells out penalties for firms and individuals violating the various provisions of the law.
According to the law, a fine of not less than Dh10,000 and not more than Dh50,000 will be imposed on individuals and firms violating requirements of food data cards for healthy food, not adhering to healthy food supplements and not following the rules of providing an alternative healthy nutritional option.
The draft law also stipulates that establishments providing educational institutions and schools with foodstuffs which don't comply with the prescribed health standards shall be punished with a fine of not less than Dh50,000 and not more than Dh300 ,000.
The new law also imposes a fine of not less Dh10,000 and not more than Dh50,000 on persons in these establishments who will be held responsible for providing or selling the substandard food products to the educational institutions.
Anyone who publishes or broadcasts a health advertisement that is in violation of the rules and requirements of the health ads system shall be penalised with a fine of not less than Dh50,000 and not more than Dh150,000, according to the new law.
The draft law covers provisions related to healthy lifestyles, food safety, physical activity, tobacco control, research and studies on public health, health advertisements, occupational health and safety, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and environmental health.
It also contains articles related to the import of products that are harmful to public health and do not meet international health regulations, as well as the transfer and burial of the dead, cemeteries, penalties and judicial seizures.
The FNC committee on Health and Environmental Affairs had earlier discussed this federal draft law on public health, made changes to some of its articles, and drafted several amendments, before discussing it with representatives of the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The final report on the law was on Tuesday taken to the FNC for discussion before it was approved by the members.
The draft law will be presented to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for approval before being enforced into law.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi