Coronavirus: Sharjah restaurants and bakeries told to install surveillance cameras

Owners of food outlets in the emirate have been given a six-month period to place cameras in their premises

Cameras will serve as a deterrent to those who flout food hygiene rules. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

All restaurants, bakeries and cafes in Sharjah have been asked to install surveillance cameras to ensure food safety, which will help limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Owners of food outlets in the emirate have been given a six-month period to install cameras with surveillance storage of at least six months.

“In order to maintain the health and safety of consumers, all restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries and other food outlets in Sharjah must install permanent surveillance cameras,” said Thabet Al Tarifi, director general of Sharjah Municipality.

Mr Al Tarifi said the camera will serve as a deterrent to those who flout food hygiene rules.

Food safety inspectors can view recordings on request.

Owners of food outlets are not permitted to delete records without prior written approval from the Food Control Department of the Public Health Department.

“Inspectors from the Food Control Section will be conducting intensive daily visits to ensure compliance with the preventive measures through which we aim to limit the spread of coronavirus,” he said.

“This comes as part of the municipality’s efforts to tighten its control of food preparation and processing methods and to ensure all necessary health requirements are applied.

“We want to make sure best practices, health standards and preventive measures are implemented in food establishments."