Abu Dhabi, October 3, 2012: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has organized a workshop on the guidelines and regulations governing school canteens. The workshop saw the participation of Abu Dhabi Education Council and Abu Dhabi Health Authority, besides a number of representatives from companies supplying food to schools.

Abdullah Jumua Al Junaibi, Director of Field Operations at ADFCA, stressed in his opening remarks the importance of complying with food safety norms not only in the choice of food items and their nutritional content, but also in all related aspects such as preparation, transportation and distribution. "The document on the standards for school canteens for 2012 -13 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi comprised the rules and regulation in addition to the necessary guidelines," he pointed out.

Hilal Al Marzouqi, Head of the School Canteens Committee at the Abu Dhabi Education Council, said the cooperation between the Council and ADFCA in regulating school canteens was aimed at ensuring that the children were served healthy and safe food by workers who successfully underwent ADFCA training on how to safely handle food. "It is also important to ensure there is proper communication between the approved food suppliers and the school managements to guarantee that canteens are run according to the highest standards and to the full satisfaction of the school authorities and the students," he explained.

"The supplying companies have been instructed clearly to stick to the types of foods and prices specified by the council. The types of foods and their price have to be displayed outside the canteen along with the name of the company and the contact numbers to reach in case of any complaints. The companies should supply foods in the appropriate quantity and the canteens should be equipped with all the necessary facilities such as refrigerators, water coolers etc . They must also have sufficient number of small change. ADFCA and the Council formed a committee to undertake regular visits to the canteens and  discuss with the school authorities in case of any suggestions or complaints. The School Canteen Services Division at the Council also can receive complaints via emails," Al Marzouqi said.

DR. Alwa Al Midwahi, Senior Officer in Community Health Division at the Health Authority said: "The amendments to the school canteen menu will not only reduce diseases like obesity which in turn can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses, but will also contribute to better performance in studies due to avoidance of foods with harmful effects on the children's health."

The workshop saw a detailed presentation on the standards and best practices included in the canteen guide. The presentation was made by Abud Ahmed bin Sa'ad, Head of the Educational Institutions Unit at ADFCA, Omar Al Hosaini and Ibrahim Abdullah Al Balouchi, inspectors from the unit. An open discussion followed the presentations between the audience and the representatives of the three government bodies.

About Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority
Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority was established in 2005 as an independent food regulatory agency for the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Authority embodies the Abu Dhabi Government's commitment to protecting its consumers, particularly by ensuring the safety and quality of food served throughout the public. It enforces policies and standards and conducts research and awareness campaigns to maintain a sustainable agriculture and food sector that delivers safe food to the public, protects the health of animals and plants, and adheres to sound environmental practices.

For more information contact:
Shajahan Madampatt
Content Editor
T: +971 2 4954136
C: +971 50 2192486
E: shajahan.madampatt@adfca.ae

© Press Release 2012