DCL improves food safety in Dubai

THE Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) has become capable of conducting high-tech chemical and microbiological tests in food samples. In 2011, the Food Laboratory at DCL received 26,072 samples of foodstuff to be examined, according to its head Hawa Al Bastaki.

"These tests were to confirm whether items were fulfilling the requirements and specifications set by Dubai Municipality regarding public health and safety," says Al Bastaki. Meanwhile, complaints regarding food poisoning have dropped by 9% in 2011 as compared to the previous year. This is a result of strict instructions and due inspections conducted by the Dubai Municipality at eateries and food processing units, notes Maha Al Hajri, head of the Food and Environment Section.

Furthermore, Al Hajri expressed her satisfaction with the food safety condition in Dubai as the DCL’s test figures in 2011 show 51% decrease in the number of products found to be neglecting specifications set by Dubai Municipality.