Companies that transport food in Dubai have been given six months to implement new rules aimed at improving hygiene and safety.
The new code of practice is intended to put an end to unsuitable vehicles being used to carry vegetables and other perishable foods.
The system will decrease the number of food poisoning cases, said Khalid Mohammed Sharif, Assistant Director of Public Health and Head of Food Control at Dubai Municipality.
"Safe transportation of food is the key to ensuring a hygienic supply of items to the consumer," he said. "Any negligence can cost consumers dear. Our ultimate objective is to change the way even a sandwich from a neighbourhood caf is delivered." All vehicles will have to be granted approval by the municipality's food control section before being licensed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Food traders and suppliers have been given six months to convert their existing fleets in accordance with the new technical specifications. Noncompliance will result in fines and the non-renewal of vehicle licences.
"Our objective is to root out the practice of using any vehicle to carry food," said Sharif. "Many traders say they use pickups to carry food for one or two hours. But, given the extreme weather in summer, this is enough time for food to become contaminated." The municipality, in cooperation with the RTA, will inspect vehicles and verify the documents to ensure their compliance with the requirements before issuing approval.
The approval, which will cost Dh100, will have to be renewed every year. A sticker, in different colours depending on the type of food that is carried, will be pasted on the vehicle showing the validity of the licence. But truck operators at the fruit and vegetable market said the rules could harm business. "We spend more than Dh30,000 on installing refrigerators in our vehicles. The new conditions could make us lose business," said one.
Approval process
The new code of conduct requires all food establishments in Dubai to submit an application to the municipality's food control section.
It must be accompanied by a copy of the trade licence, contact information, details and specifications of the vehicle, health certificates for staff and employee training records.
And the applicant must specify the types of food that will be carried - meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, vegetables or fruits.
If a vehicle is licensed in another emirate, it must belong to a food supplier with Dubai Municipality approval.
By Emirates Today Staff
© Emirates Today 2007
