Dubai to step up food safety inspections ahead of Ramadan

Inspections were carried out to make sure that food establishments keep food in hygienic conditions.

DUBAI // Health officials in Dubai have stepped up inspections of food warehouses and markets ahead of Ramadan.

Authorities carried out inspections to ensure that food establishments follow health regulations and keep food in hygienic conditions, said Sultan Al Tahir, head of food inspection at Dubai Municipality’s food safety department.

The municipality will monitor 50 food warehouses and 30 consumer stores during the holy month, Mr Al Tahir said. Department officials are inspecting dairy products and the Fruit and Vegetable Market.

“The campaign will be dedicated to inspecting cooperatives and major shops, and the display and storage of food will be checked,” Mr Al Tahir said.

“The department has enhanced its preparations for Ramadan to ensure safe preparation, supply and preservation of all types of food and beverages before and during the month due to increased quantities of preparations, in order to ensure the health and safety of the consumers.”

Mr Al Tahir said the food section has set up a team to check food outlets in Dubai throughout the year and to intensify awareness campaigns.

“The municipality intensifies its control over on 2,920 food establishments in the emirate by checking the supply and storage of food in order to ensure that they adhere to health and hygiene regulations,” Mr Al Tahir said.

“There are 750 food establishments, 1,580 groceries and 590 hypermarkets in Dubai, and our team is mainly focusing on food storage by checking food temperature.”