Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has confirmed that local markets are free of the Maragatty brand chicken broth product, which was found to contain prohibited artificial colours.
In statement issued on social media, MOCCAE made this assurance after conducting thorough checks in collaboration with local regulatory authorities to ensure consumer safety.
The ministry further explained that it continues its efforts to ensure food safety and protect consumers.
The development follows a recall of the Maragatty brand chicken stock cubes in Saudi Arabia last week due to the presence of harmful artificial colours in the product.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which ordered an immediate recall and removal of the product from the market, had said it had also taken regulatory action against the importing company.
The authority also asked the public to avoid consuming the product and immediately dispose of remaining quantities if they have any.
Regulating food colourants
Earlier in January, the MOCCAE had said that in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and relevant regulatory authorities, it was implementing measures to ensure the safety of food products, including additives and colourants used in the food industry.
أكدت #وزارة_التغير_المناخي_والبيئة، بالتعاون مع الجهات الرقابية، خلو أسواق الدولة من منتج مرقة الدجاج Maragatty المحتوي على ألوان محظورة. وتواصل الوزارة جهودها لضمان #سلامة_الأغذية وحماية #المستهلكين عبر التنسيق المستمر مع الجهات المعنية. pic.twitter.com/ZEYEbCpx9r
— وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة (@MoCCaEUAE) March 4, 2025
“These efforts involve continuously updating technical specifications and regulations based on scientific principles to safeguard consumer health and safety,” the ministry said.
This followed the recent decision by the US Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of Red No. 3 dye in food and pharmaceutical products.
The UAE Technical Standards and Regulations specify permissible limits for colourant additives to ensure they do not pose risks to consumer health. These limits are based on risk assessments, international references, and globally recognised standards. Imported food products are also subject to strict inspections in coordination with local authorities, including testing and sampling at sales outlets, to ensure they are safe for consumption, the ministry explained.
