Dubai adds 1,343 new food outlets in 2021

The number of food establishments in Dubai has been increased by 50 percent during the past year. Dubai Municipality's Food Safety Department has registered 1,343 new food establishments in 2021.

As a result, the number of inspections also increased by 12 percent compared to 2020. The department has carried out 76,195 inspection visits to food establishments in the emirate last year.

The number of communications received by the Municipality Call Centre last year was 4,961; that is an average of 13 reports per day due to violations related to public safety and non-compliance with the precautionary measures to confront the COVID-19 spread.

Sultan Al Taher, Director of Food Safety Department at Dubai Municipality, said that the Municipality has monitored a great level of commitment by food establishments to abide by the procedures that it has set, in terms of public safety measures during the recent period. This is due to the increase in campaigns and awareness visits carried out by the Food Safety Department.

He said that the Municipality was keen to intensify its daily inspection campaigns, and that its inspectors dealt with violations with strict procedures without complacency.

Al Taher noted that the inspectors are working on calibrating the temperature control devices and thermometer in the food establishments, as well as making sure that foods are provided and received from an approved food source with the relevant documents and appropriate equipment, devices and space according to the food establishment's activity.

He explained that the Municipality checks food establishments in the emirate of various activities, such as restaurants, cafeterias, cafes that offer food, groceries, supermarkets, bakeries, and inspected and monitored delivery vehicles.

News Source: Emirates News Agency