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Abu Dhabi: A new law set to improve food safety was issued yesterday with fines of up to Dh200,000 for offenders.
The Food Law for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which lays the foundations for better consumer health by enhancing food safety and quality standards, was issued yesterday. As per the law, those flouting food safety standards are set to incur hefty fines of up to Dh200,000 and even prison terms.
Expected to come into effect in three months' time the law stipulates stringent measures to ensure food safety and quality during its handling throughout the food chain. It gives more power to the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority to implement action.
The law prohibits the tainting of food or the handling of any harmful food. It also prohibits the handling of food containing port, or any alcoholic components without permission. Those who remove, alter or intervene in any detained food will be penalised.
The authority's aim is to enhance consumer confidence in the emirate's control systems.
All food establishments must ensure the medical fitness of food handlers. The law further outlines identification of distribution locations, ensuring accuracy of food labelling and the recalling of food in case it is not worthy of consumption.
Adam Railey, a food safety expert said food safety "was the collective responsibility of all in the food chain."
"If there is a mistake in one area the others suffer regardless of the fact that they may be implementing the best food safety and hygiene procedures," he said at the law's launch.
Strict penalties
Fines and prison terms
--Intentional handling of harmful food: Minimum 3 months imprisonment and/or a fine of minimum Dh30,000. The fine could go up to a maximum of Dh200,000.
- Intentional handling of adulterated food: Minimum 2 months imprisonment and/or a fine of minimum Dh15,000. The fine could go up to a maximum of Dh100,000
- Handling of food containing pork or its products or any alcohol without prior permission: Minimum 1 month imprisonment and/or a fine of minimum Dh15,000. The fine could go up to a maximum of Dh100,000.
- Promoting or marketing of food in a manner that misleads the consumer: Minimum fine of Dh10,000.
- Other cases: Minimum fine of Dh5,000.
Under all circumstances, the penalty shall be doubled if the offence is repeated.
(Source: Food Law of Abu Dhabi Emirate)
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