Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has issued administrative decisions to shut down 21 restaurants and food establishments in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra since the beginning of 2024 for violations of public health regulations.

In September, ADAFSA inspectors conducted comprehensive monitoring of restaurants and food establishments across the emirate. This resulted in the administrative closure of six establishments for violating Law No. (2) of 2008 on food in the emirate and for posing a threat to public health.

ADAFSA issued a decision to shut down an establishment in Abu Dhabi City, citing poor hygiene at the site, inadequate food storage, and improper food handling practices by employees. This was followed by a decision to suspend the establishment's activity as a precautionary measure, due to a proven case of food poisoning.

A second facility was compelled to cease operations due to persistent non-compliance with food safety regulations and a history of violations that directly impact food safety and consumer health. Additionally, the facility's official demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to implement effective corrective measures to address these violations, further exacerbating the situation. Three violations and an administrative closure warning were issued against the facility due to the detection of multiple violations, including inadequate sink segregation during use, inadequate storage, the absence of temperature records, and the absence of ready-to-eat food protection measures.

The ADAFSA also took action against two establishments, one a meat establishment that was found to be selling imported meat as local meat, and the other is a supermarket that was found to have a cockroach infestation. In addition, a supermarket that was closed for repeated offences, including the display of high-risk items such as expired food products.

It pointed out that the administrative closure decisions that are issued remain in effect for as long as the underlying reasons for such decisions persist. The facility may be permitted to resume operations after implementing the requisite corrective measures and fulfilling all the necessary prerequisites to resume its activities. It must also replace the equipment utilized in food preparation and fully clean and sterilize the facility before reopening it to the public.

Furthermore, ADAFSA said that the closure decisions and detection of such violations resulted from the inspection efforts, which aimed to reinforce the food safety system in the emirate and enhance control to ensure compliance of all food establishments with the safety regulations and conditions. Furthermore, it was stated that all food establishments, irrespective of their nature of activity and the products they produce, are subject to regular inspections to ascertain their compliance with food safety regulations. 

It appealed to the public to report any violations observed in food establishments or to seek clarification regarding the contents of foodstuffs via toll-free number (800555) so that the Authority's inspectors could take the necessary action to ensure the safety and quality of food for all members of the community in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.