UAE: Food safety measures tightened ahead of Hag Al Laila festivities in Ajman
As the middle night of Shaaban arrives, known as Hag Al Laila, the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department has intensified inspection campaigns across food establishments to ensure consumer safety during the high-demand festive period.
As families prepare for the traditional celebration, which sees a surge in the consumption of sweets, juices, and festive treats, authorities have ramped up their efforts to verify the quality and safety of food products available in the market. The initiative aims to enforce strict compliance with health standards, ensuring that food handling, storage, and cleanliness measures meet regulatory requirements.
"Food safety is a top priority, especially during high-demand seasons like Hag Al Laila. Our intensified inspections and advanced lab testing ensure that food products meet the highest safety standards before reaching consumers. We are working closely with all food establishments to maintain strict compliance, and we urge businesses to uphold best practices to protect public health,' Dr Khaled Moeen Al Hosani, executive director of the Public Health and Environment Sector, told Khaleej Times.
He added thay the Public Health Department conducted extensive surveys of local markets, collecting food samples from major commercial centers and supermarkets.
Products such as sweets, juices, and promotional offers—typically consumed in large quantities during Hag Al Laila—were subjected to rigorous testing at the municipality's central food laboratories.
Using advanced chemical and microbiological analysis, specialists examined the samples for compliance with approved health standards. Tests focused on detecting potential contaminants, harmful additives, and spoilage risks to safeguard public health.
Reinforcing consumer confidence
Al Hosani noted preliminary findings from the laboratory tests revealed that most food establishments are adhering to safety and quality standards, reinforcing consumer confidence in the emirate's food supply chain.
Officials also noted that these inspections are crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses, particularly during periods of increased consumption.
Authorities, meanwhile, warned that violators found disregarding food safety regulations would face stringent penalties.
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