'Secret police' to ensure food safety in Dubai

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Secret police to ensure food safety in Dubai

Dubai - A permit from the Food Safety Department must be obtained before displaying food during the holy month.

By Sherouk Zakaria

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Published: Mon 6 Jun 2016, 8:12 PM

Inspections on eateries have been launched in the emirate, as part of preparations for the holy month, a Dubai Municipality official said.
The campaign mainly targets Mandi places and traditional restaurants as they get more customers during Ramadan.
Sultan Ali Al Taher, head of the Food Inspection Section at DM, said food preparations, thermal control and vehicles used to transport food items will be examined to make sure the process complies with safety conditions.

Ideas welcome?
Sultan Ali Al Taher, head of the Food Inspection Section at Dubai Municipality, urged residents to contact 800900 to share their suggestions for food safety during the holy month of Ramadan. They can also lodge complains, in case of violations.
He added that bakeries, groceries, sweet shops and Ramadan tents will also be inspected throughout the holy month and during Eid.
The department will cooperate with residents and "hire a secret inspector who will help in detecting violations and make sure food suppliers abide by safety and sanitary rules," said Al Taher.
Permit must for food display
A permit from the Food Safety Department must be obtained before displaying food during the holy month.
"Many restaurants and cafeterias display food outside their shops during Ramadan, especially before Iftar time," said Al Taher,
"It is allowed after taking necessary permits and following the rules." He stressed that only light food is allowed for display before Iftar time. Cooking or displaying any kinds of meat outside is prohibited and workers should be wearing gloves and head scarves.
No food is allowed outside after Iftar time and it should be stored at a temperature below 5°C to more than 65°C.
Temperatures between this range may lead to food poisoning. Violations may lead to withdrawing the licence from owners.
Al Taher urged residents to avoid over-shopping for unnecessary items. "Many people have the habit of buying huge amounts of food, fearing that they will not have time for shopping during the holy month."
He stressed that residents must store the food well and under the right temperature after preparations to avoid poisoning.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com


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