‘Inspections have been intensified to monitor such vendors and also small food outlets’
Restaurants have been warned not to sell Iftar snacks outside their premises and also to keep a check on the food quality. Municipalities of Sharjah, Al Dhaid and Ajman have begun a crackdown on mobile vendors selling unhygienic foods for cheap prices in residential areas and workers’ accommodations.
“Selling poor-quality food around street corners usually increase during Ramadan. This year, it has continued despite the restrictions of Covid-19 in place,” said a Sharjah Municipality official.
“Vendors selling Ramadan specials – hummus, samosa, pies, pancakes, falafel, pakodas and other Asian snacks – keep their snacks outside the premises and get exposed to heat and dust. Workers often rely on these vendors as it is cheaper than buying at restaurants,” he added.
“Inspections have been intensified to monitor such vendors and also small food outlets that function without obtaining licences from the municipality. Most of them used expired ingredients, unfit for human consumption, to make snacks, which lead to food poisoning.”
Nasser Saeed Muhammad Al Tunaiji, head of the public health department at Al Dhaid Municipality, said a comprehensive health plan has been developed to monitor food products during the holy month. “A special team of inspectors has been assigned to target those selling Iftar snacks. They also monitor illegal mobile food vendors who cook food at their accommodation using expired products and sell them to workers and poor families. Hefty penalties will be imposed on such violators. The municipality is keen on the health and safety of its residents by taking all measures to ensure food safety in the city.”
Khalid Al Hosani, director of health and environment department at the Ajman Municipality, said mobile food vending is strictly prohibited and practising it is a violation of the health regulations set by the civic body.
“Inspection campaigns have been intensified targeting food mobile units, restaurants, cafes, and traditional food outlets that allowing sale of snack outside premises to ensure strict implementation of the set hygiene rules,” he said.
