Markets, water plants among 711 firms found flouting rules in Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain - The surprise raids covered all markets, groceries, restaurants, water and foodstuff plants and outlets across all areas and regions of the emirate, according to Mansur Sultan bin Rashid Al Kharji, Director-General of the department.

As many as 711 commercial establishments has faced the music in the emirate for flouting health and safety rules. The Economic Development Department has issued fine and warnings to these firms in two months following intensive raids.
The surprise raids covered all markets, groceries, restaurants, water and foodstuff plants and outlets across all areas and regions of the emirate, according to Mansur Sultan bin Rashid Al Kharji, Director-General of the department.
These included four big warehouses where foodstuffs were improperly stored, he added.
He said: "Of the 711 institutions, 222 were fined, whereas 489 others were issued warning letters," he added.
Most of the violations detected spanned institutions' failure to amend their positions and comply with the set standards, Al Kharji said. "The four warehouses nabbed were storing foodstuff in an improper way," he said, noting that the warehouses owners were warned against repeating the same violations.
"Otherwise, they shall face permanent closure." Al Kharji said that the department inspectors have also impounded 90 vehicles for distributing products without due licence.
"Some of the nabbed vehicles were having trade licences from other emirates, and some of the items seized were unfit for human consumption as well."
"The department is easily accessible for complaints, suggestions, remarks, feedback, and inquiries either in persona on the Shaikh Ahmed Al Mualla road, by mail at (uaqecon@uaqecon.ae), at mobile (050-1583999), phone (06-7652200), or fax (06-7653322)."
The department has also issued warning letters to a number of institutions for not issuing bills in Arabic as instructed by the Ministry of Economy for Protecting Consumers' Rights.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Umm Al Quwain