|
Abu Dhabi: Residents have complained that several groceries are violating food safety regulations by selling bread without labels showing production and expiry dates.
"I always find bread without proper labels at a grocery close to my residence," said Suresh, an Indian residing near Airport Road. "I asked the grocer several times about it, but he claims he always keeps fresh items, so there is no need to bother."
Another resident said even if the items are fresh; the customers may keep it one or two days, which could make it dangerous.
"Without an expiry date, you may not know when it becomes hazardous if you keep it further," said S.K who lives near Electra Street. "Groceries are exploiting the dependence of the people living close to them," she said.
Ahmad S. said he called up a bread company to complaint about food label but the effort proved futile. "When I complained, they said it will be corrected. But the same company's products are still available in groceries without food label," he said. "How can you know when the item was produced or how long the shop has been keeping them?" he asked.
Abu Dhabi Food control Authority (ADFCA) said they have not received any complaints from the public in this regard. The authority pointed out that every bread and bakery pack should carry dates detailing shelf life on their labels. Only the unpacked fresh items sold inside the bakery are exempted from this regulation, ADFCA said in a statement issued to Gulf News.
Both producer and retailer will be held responsible for violation, ADFCA said. The producer has the responsibility to put the shelf life on the products. It is the retailer's responsibility not to display the products without shelf life dates at their outlets, added the statement. The authority made it clear that it will intensify the routine inspections to book violators.
Many grocers said they are not aware of such regulation. "I did not know that it is illegal to sell bread without production and expiry dates," said a grocer on Salam Street.
Major retail chains said their automated tracking system prevents the sale of products without food labels. "Such products will be detected and removed by the tracking system," said Saifee Rupawala, CEO of Emke Group.
Have you seen any products being sold without a label? Did you report this to the authorities? Do you think the concerned authorities are being lenient with the checks on food products? Should the inspections be made stricter?
Send us your comments
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Gulf News may edit comments for length and clarity but will not change the tone of the message. Comments will only be accepted if all fields (including name) are filled correctly and the message isn't abusive, defamatory or offensive. The Gulf News website will only print your first name along with your comment. Please state in the message if you wish to remain anonymous. All comments sent may be forwarded for use in the Gulf News newspaper.
|
