Abu Dhabi: As many as 200 cases of food-related violations have been registered in Abu Dhabi courts in the past year. The violations concern food poisoning, sale of harmful edible commodities and trading of adulterated food substances in the country, a senior official from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has said.
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Depending on the nature of the crime, the violators have been fined in the range of Dh5,000 and Dh200,000, with a prison sentence of up to three months. Dr Hamad Al Daheri, chief of Prosecution at the Cassation’s Prosecution in ADJD, said, “Some 200 cases of food-related violations have been registered in the courts in a year, and they are mostly from food outlets and restaurants.”
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Foodstuffs are critical to the health and lives of people. That’s why, the leadership of the country has laid down stringent laws pertaining to foodstuffs, he added.
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He said the 2008 Law No 2 prohibits people from bringing in foodstuffs containing swine meat or its derivatives or any alcoholic substance without prior permission. Anyone found violating this provision could be jailed for a month or fined Dh15,000 or both.
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During interrogation, if a trader is found guilty of other violations pertaining to the food, the fines and jail terms may further be extended, Dr Al Daheri said.
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According to the Article 16, any person who is found bringing harmful edible commodities into the country for trade may be imprisoned for not less than three months and fined Dh30,000-Dh200,000 or both.
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Dr Al Daheri said the laws seek to protect consumers and their health which is of utmost priority.
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In cases of food poisoning, a medical report helps determine the damage and the source of the problem. Accordingly, action is taken and cafeterias or restaurant operators who are found erring are fined and imprisoned, he said.
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