32 Food Outlets Closed in Dubai for Violating Covid-19 Precautionary Measures

Number of complying food establishments rose to 5,264

Dubai - 16, February 2021:  Dubai Municipality revealed that since the beginning of this year it has ordered the closure of 32 food establishments for violating precautionary measures to combat the Corona virus, in addition to issuing warning notices to 472 outlets.

“Within 45 days since the beginning of this year, the Municipality inspectors had carried out 5,841 field inspection visits to ensure that the food establishments are adhering to the procedures and controls set by the health authorities to combat the spread of the new Corona virus,” said Sultan Al Taher, Manager of Food Inspection Section in the Municipality.

“While 32 food establishments in Dubai were temporarily closed, the number of committed food establishments amounted to 5,264, and 577 establishments were found non-compliant, in addition to that warnings were issued to 472 outlets. The most prominent violations that were detected were non-compliance with social distancing, and not wearing personal safety equipment such as masks and gloves during food preparation, as well as not using approved sterilization and disinfection materials,” said Al Taher.

He pointed to the increased level of awareness of many owners and workers in food establishments in Dubai, and the commitment to precautionary measures compared to the previous period, which witnessed a greater number of violations.

Al Taher added that the Municipality inspectors check, during their supervisory visits, the daily follow-up records for the hygiene of workers, the recording of sterilization and disinfection operations, in addition to ensuring that food safety requirements are applied during receiving, preparation and storage of food, as well as display at healthy temperatures, and the application of hygiene and sterilization procedures to prevent cross-contamination and applying pest control measures. 

He pointed out that the Municipality checks all food establishments in the emirate according to their various activities, such as restaurants, cafeterias, cafes that offer food, grocery stores, supermarkets, and bakeries, as well as inspects and monitors delivery vehicles to ensure that they are sterilized, maintain food safety measures after each order, and delivery workers change masks and gloves after each order.

Al Taher called on all community members to contact the Municipality's toll-free number 800900 to report any violations related to food safety, so that the Municipality deals with the establishment immediately, and said that the inspection teams carry out routine inspection visits based on consumers' reports.