New food assessment system in UAE: See details here
Image credit: FAO/Manan Vatsyayana
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched the Food Control System Assessment in the UAE.
— وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة (@MoCCaEUAE)
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It was launched during a five-day inception and training workshop held at MOCCAE headquarters in Dubai. More than 50 professionals from the UAE's Competent Authorities (CAs) participated in the workshop, marking the beginning of a comprehensive evaluation of the national food control system.
Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, said food safety is a key pillar of the UAE's National Food Security Strategy and plays a crucial role in protecting public health.
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The Food Control Systems Evaluation Project–Food Safety Index has been launched in collaboration with the FAO, with index measurement set to begin in 2025.
Reason why the project has been launched
The project aims to:
Assess the current status of food safety systems in the UAE
Identify necessary initiatives and actions for the ministry and local authorities to enhance existing systems in line with international best practices
Determine the food safety rate at the federal level
The authorities will also review data and the capabilities of food regulatory bodies in the country as part of the project
Food establishments, imported food shipments, food laboratories, animal feed, and other related aspects of food safety will also be considered.
Advantages: How the assessment will help the UAE
This assessment will provide valuable insights and data needed to strengthen the UAE's food safety system.
Not only will it assist the country in addressing food safety risks, but it will also help align the UAE with global best practices and promote regional and international trade.
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