The Sharjah Municipality has fined 63 bakeries for wrapping hot bread in non-degradable plastic bags, which has been banned last year. The errant bakeries were slapped with Dh300 fine which will be doubled if repeated.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Omar Al Muhairi, head of the food control department at the Sharjah Municipality, said the bakeries have been warned several times against using plastic bags to wrap hot bread as such practice poses health hazard to public.

He added that they were instructed to use paper bags as an alternative to wrap hot baked products. "The plastic bags can be used only for cold products. But during inspections, many bakeries were found handing hot bread in plastic bags to customers," he said.

The inspectors fined errant bakeries and warned some others to use paper bags, he said, adding that repeated violations would result in hefty fines and even in closure of the outlets. Some bakeries were given 30 days as a grace period to rectify the situation and follow the rules related to public health.

He explained that the municipal council issued a rule on December 19 last year, banning the use of non-degradable plastic bags for packing hot food products in all bakeries in the emirate. However, during regular inspections, the municipality found out that many bakeries still sold food packed in plastic bags as soon as they remove it from the oven.

Al Muhairi urged the bakeries to replace plastic bags with paper bags to ensure the provision of healthy food, stressing that a large number of bakeries complied with the decision and immediately replaced the plastic bags with paper.

The municipal council issued this decision within it's the efforts to promote health awareness among the members of society and prevent any harmful practices public health and protect the surrounding environment.

Al Muhairi called on the residents to refuse to receive hot food items if packed in plastic bags and immediately inform the municipality by calling 993. "Some of the bakeries are insisting on using plastic bags to avoid bearing the cost of biodegradable bags," he said.

The food control department of the municipality follows strict monitoring methods to ensure that the bakeries follow healthy practices.

During surprise inspections, officials would check workers' personal health and fitness and health cards that prove the workers are free from infectious diseases. They also ensure that the workers are wearing gloves and head cover while handling food, premises are treated with pesticide and hygiene and cleanliness are properly maintained. "Inspection campaigns will continue throughout the year on all bakeries operating in Sharjah," he added.

Residents' concerns

Alawiya Hamad, a resident living in Al Mahatta area, said the bakery next to her house was still selling hot bread wrapped in plastic bags.

"Even after I informed the owners about such practices that could cause cancer to consumers and the municipality ban, they continue using plastic bags. The government decision needs to be followed up by intensified inspection," she said.

Abrar Khan, a resident of Al Qasimiya area, said that he read several times about the danger of using plastic bags for hot food items, but many food outlets don't care about others health. "They just want to sell their food. To stop this, intensified awareness campaign should be conducted among the public."

According to Savita K, a housewife, the small bakery adjacent to her apartment sells hot baked food and bread in plastic bags. "When I asked him, the seller told me that they buy the bags in huge quantities and they cannot destroy them and lose their price. I decided to buy bread from big bakeries because they are committed to health regulation," she added.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

Copyright 2017 Khaleej Times. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).