Dubai Municipality has stepped up efforts ahead of Ramadan, in order to preserve the health and safety of the community during the holy month.
Ahmad Abdul Rahman Al Ali, head of the Municipality’s Food Inspection Section, said preparations had started at the beginning of July, with the department equipping staff to address potential Ramadan violations and conducting refresher courses for inspectors regarding food in covered spaces and external displays.
“Ramadan this year coincides with the summer season, which witnesses a rise in temperature and humidity, accelerating the damage to and deterioration of food that is not kept in compliance with the appropriate temperature range,” Ali explained.
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“We will make ensure that foods are cooked at appropriate temperatures, and are then preserved at temperatures of more than 65°C for keeping them hot and less than 5° for keeping them cool.
“We will not let them violate this, as keeping food at temperatures in the range between 5-65°C is risky and leads to food decaying and incidence of food poisoning,” he asserted.
“Emphasis will be placed on the preparation process and temperature control of food, as well as the vehicles that transport food. We will also ascertain the extent of their commitment to the rules and technical specifications,” continued Ali.
“We also make sure that the foods kept for sale on the way-side are covered properly and the staff adhere to personal hygiene while selling the food, by wearing gloves and head covers. They should also have occupational health cards."
The Section also plans to organise inspection campaigns during the holy month to make sure that food establishments meet the hygiene requirements for the transporting, storage, preparation and display of foodstuffs.
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