A photo shows the violating restaurant in Musaffah Industrial Area, Abu Dhabi.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) issued a decision administratively shutting down Koukab Zuhal Restaurant in Musaffah Industrial Area for violating Law no. 2 for 2008 regarding food in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the legislation issued thereunder as well as for their danger to public health.

The ADAFSA explained that the food control report stated that the administrative closure decision against the restaurant was taken due to its repeated failure to fulfill food safety requirements as well as the failure of the manager to take effective corrective measures to rectify these violations, which affected food safety and the health of consumers.

Three fines and an administrative closure warning were issued against the restaurant after several violations had been detected including the failure to completely separate sinks during use, poor storage, failure to provide temperature records, and failure to cover ready-to-eat foods, it added.

The ADAFSA affirmed that the closure decision would remain in effect until the restaurant corrects the violations and meet all the necessary requirements to ensure the health and safety of food.

The administrative closure and detection of abuses come as part of the inspection efforts aimed at strengthening the food safety system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensuring that all facilities meet food safety requirements, the ADAFSA said, noting that all facilities, irrespective of their nature and food products, are subject to regular inspection.

The ADAFSA called on the public to communicate with it and report any violations in any food establishment by calling the Abu Dhabi Government’s toll-free number 800555, enabling its inspectors to take the necessary action for safe food for all members of society.

Meanwhile, the ADAFSA issued another decision administratively shutting down Panoor Restaurant in Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi for its repeated failure to fulfill food safety requirements as well as the failure of the manager to take effective corrective measures to rectify these violations, which affected food safety and the health of consumers.

A number of violations were detected and an administrative closure warning was issued due to poor general hygiene, poor food storage and improper food handling practices, the ADAFSA said, adding that a decision was later issued to suspend the restaurant’s activity as a precautionary measure due to a proven case of food poisoning.

The ADAFSA affirmed that the administrative closure decision would remain in effect until the restaurant corrects the violations and meet all the necessary requirements.