Sharjah, Ajman step up food inspections

The Sharjah and Ajman municipalities have intensified inspections of food outlets to ensure public health and safety during Eid Al Adha.

Sharjah Municipality is stepping up its inspection campaign before and during the Eid Al Adha holiday in abattoirs and all outlets that distribute meat and cattle, vegetables, fruits, as well as in fish markets, restaurants and cafeterias to ensure they follow the emirate's public health and hygiene conditions.

Thabet Salem Al Tarifi, director-general of Sharjah Municipality, said inspections would be increased to ensure that harmful and expired goods are not sold in food markets.

The civic body's veterinarians will also be deployed at cattle markets to supervise and examine the animals sold. They will also monitor the slaughter and cutting of animals for Eid.

Ali Musabeh Al Taniji, director of Al Dhaid Municipality, said that an intensive work schedule had been prepared to achieve comprehensive control of the markets during Eid, to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Various inspection department inspectors are making surprise visits to restaurants, popular kitchens, vegetable and fruit markets, bakeries and confectionery shops to ascertain the validity of food, and ensure their adherence to health conditions.

Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Nuaimi, director-general of Ajman Municipality, confirmed that qualified inspectors would carry out thorough inspections of meat shops, vegetable, fruit markets and restaurants to ensure food safety and validity. "We are conducting regular inspection campaigns on all food outlets in Ajman, but during special occasions, we intensify the inspections" Al Nuaimi added.

Starting Tuesday, Ajman Municipality's health section will conduct inspections at the meat market, restaurants, and food establishments. It is also ensuring that prices are streamlined for the cutting of livestock meat, as butchers usually exploit customers during Eid to make more profit.

Source: Khaleej Times