Heavier penalties for food safety violators in UAE

THE UAE Federal National Council (NFC) has passed the draft law that regulates entry of food products into the state. Policy offenders, according to the law, can face up to Dh100,000 to Dh2 million in fines and two years’ imprisonment, according to a report in Khaleej Times.

The draft, with the intent of barring adulterated foods from reaching consumers, suggests that all imported products be approved by the Ministry of Environment and Water. It proposes a jail time of two years and a fine between Dh100,000 and Dh300,000, or both, for anyone caught importing or distributing unhealthy and dangerous food products.

It also authorises the Ministry of Economy to impose fines of up to Dh100,000 for other offenses regulated by the Cabinet.

Those who are caught without permisson to import or distribute food products with pork or alcohol will be charged Dh500,000 and face at least one month imprisonment.

Misrepresentation or falsely labeling food products is strictly punishable by law, with fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000 to be imposed on offenders.

The food safety law, which will be enforced in UAE territories and its free zones, awaits the approval of President Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.