Abu Dhabi shuts down 12 food establishments for violating health and safety standards

Gulf News

25-04-2025

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has shut down 12 restaurants and food establishments across the emirate since the beginning of 2025, for violating Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning food, due to their threat to public health. This action is part of the Authority's ongoing efforts to strengthen the food safety system.
According to a report issued by ADAFSA, the number of establishments closed during the first quarter of this year is three times the number recorded in 2024, when only four restaurants and food facilities were closed for similar violations.
At the beginning of this year, the Authority intensified its inspection campaigns across the emirate through food safety inspectors, resulting in the administrative closure of 12 restaurants and food establishments.
Where are they located?
The violations included the closure of a restaurant on Hamdan Street, a supermarket in the Khalidiya area (West 6), an establishment on Hamdan Street (East 3), a supermarket branch in Mussafah Industrial Area, a poultry farm in the Al Ajban area, a commercial establishment in Al Shahama, a grocery store in Mussafah 9, a restaurant in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, a restaurant in New Al Shahama, a restaurant in the Mohammed Bin Zayed area, a restaurant in Al Shahama, and another restaurant in Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
The Authority affirmed that its inspection and awareness campaigns are conducted regularly each year, remphasising that the goal is to ensure that all establishments comply with food safety standards. ADAFSA reiterated its commitment to educating business owners and workers on best practices to ensure the safety of food served to consumers.
Through its social media platforms, the Authority reassured the public, stating that food safety is a shared responsibility and a top priority. It confirmed that all food products available to consumers are subject to routine and continuous inspections through comprehensive campaigns targeting restaurants, central kitchens, cafés, and other food-related establishments.
According to data from the authority, the reasons for the closure included: failure to maintain the cleanliness of equipment (refrigerators), failure to provide food handlers with the required training certificates, and serving ready-to-eat food at inappropriate temperatures. Additionally, there was non-compliance with cleanliness standards for floors, shelves, and food contact surfaces, as well as failure to wear protective clothing (head covers and gloves) in food preparation areas.
Other reasons cited for the closure included poor hygiene levels in food handling and storage areas, lack of cleanliness of equipment and refrigerators in preparation areas, negligence in cleaning ceilings and floors in these areas, infestation of insects, and storing cooked and ready-to-serve food uncovered and unprotected from contamination risks — all of which pose a threat to food safety and consumer health.
Smart inspection
At the start of this year, ADAFSA launched the 'Smart Inspection' application to monitor food establishments. The Authority stated that the application utilises artificial intelligence and GPS technology to locate food establishments and facilitate daily field inspection tasks.
The app offers features such as automated scheduling of inspection visits, access to contact information for stakeholders, reviewing an establishment's historical record, capturing photos, attaching documents, and generating the final inspection report, which can be shared with the relevant parties via email or mobile phone.
The Authority also urged the public to report any violations or concerns about food products by contacting the Abu Dhabi Government toll-free number (800555), so inspectors can take the necessary actions to ensure safe and high-quality food for all members of society in Abu Dhabi.