Abu Dhabi, Aug 4th, 2010 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has indicated that in two years' time successful completion of the Emirates Food Safety Training (EFST) program and the subsequent exam will be a mandatory pre-operation requirement for all food establishments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The program, the first government-led training program of its kind in the Middle East, is implemented now in a phased and incremental manner, targeting all food handlers involved in the food chain: preparation, processing, cooking, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, selling and service of food or donating food.

"The EFST program is an ADFCA initiative that aims to provide food handlers with adequate knowledge and understanding of all aspects of food safety to ensure that food is handled safely in food businesses throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," said Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Public Relations and Communication, ADFCA.

Post training, all the trainees are required to undertake and pass a short, multiple-choice examination. Thought the training materials are now available only in Arabic, English, Hindi and Urdu, the trainers are capable of conducting the program in several other languages, including Malayalam, Tamil and Bengali. EFST exam is conducted in all these languages except Tamil as well as oral sessions. A 3-year validity certificate is given to the participants upon passing the exam.

ADFCA is currently developing the first internationally recognised pictorial food safety examination based on photographs. Steps have already been taken to enable its delivery using world class technology. This will present a new innovation and fun approach towards measuring the competency of handlers.

"The success rate in the exams is determined by many factors. It is the first formal training of its kind that most food handlers ever undergo in their professional life," Al Reyaysa reasoned, adding that the Authority appreciates the efforts of the participants by rewarding them with a food safety qualification and an attendance certificate, which will surely augment their professional profile.

Though only 40-60% percentage of the staff at each of the existing food establishment is required to be trained and successfully certified, the Authority is now working on expanding the reach of the program. To that end, it is now developing an advisory EFST Booklet containing all the key technical competencies to be distributed across food businesses as a hands-on reference and daily reminder. The contents of the booklet are consistent with ADFCA's many-layered awareness campaigns.

"What we are aiming at are not mere regulatory changes, but a total transformation in the food handlers' behaviour and attitude in regard to food safety issues and thereby paving the way for empowering the consumer for informed choices. Unless we marshal the support of all segments and address the responsibility of the food business throughout the food chain, we will not achieve the desired results. That is why it is vitally important to have a multi-pronged strategy to target the various stake holders in a focused manner," Al Reyaysa pointed out.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.