Nearly 40 tonnes of expired food seized in Ajman warehouse raid

The tampered goods were heading for markets in the emirate

Ajman officials seized nearly 40 tonnes of expired food after a warehouse raid. Antonie Robertson / The National

Authorities have seized nearly 40 tonnes of expired food products at a warehouse in Ajman.

Expiry and production dates on the goods had been tampered with by the accused, who hoped to sell the items.

The Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED), Ajman Municipality and the criminal investigations department of Ajman Police collaborated in the operation.

The raid came after Ajman DED officials gathered information about the warehouse and the suspects.

Officials confiscated the goods before they made it into the hands of consumers.

“The joint inspection team, led by the Ajman DED, was able to seize nearly 40 tonnes of expired foodstuffs, unfit for human consumption,” said Abdullah Al Hamrani, Director General of Ajman DED.

After the items were seized and destroyed, the warehouse was shut down.

Vehicles used in the distribution of goods were also confiscated.

Legal action is now being taken against the people accused in the operation.

“This is a result of a strategy that is aimed at achieving a safe and prosperous economic society, protecting consumers and preserving their health, and rights,” said Mr Al Hamrani.

Ensuring ethical and legal competitive practices was top of the department's set of principles, he said.

Saud Al Shamri, Director of Control and Consumer Protection at Ajman DED said they were monitoring the markets around the clock and intensifying campaigns to protect consumers.

“This is through effective and continuous monitoring of the emirate's markets under the motto 'The Watchful Eyes'," he said.