A restaurant in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has been compelled to close its doors after facing allegations of selling non-halal food items while utilizing the same equipment designated for halal food preparation.
The directive to halt operations was issued by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa), a regulatory body overseeing food safety in the emirate. The affected establishment, Birat Manila Restaurant situated in the Mussafah district, fell under Adafsa’s scrutiny due to its non-compliance with the provisions outlined in Law No. (2) of 2008 pertaining to food in Abu Dhabi and its associated regulations.
In a public statement released across its social media platforms, Adafsa conveyed its findings, asserting that the restaurant’s practices not only infringed upon established regulations but also posed a discernible health hazard to the general public.
Under the ruling, Birat Manila Restaurant has been temporarily shuttered. The authorities have mandated specific steps for the eatery to undertake before it is permitted to recommence operations. These prerequisites include obtaining the requisite licenses to offer non-halal culinary offerings and undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its equipment. This process encompasses a thorough sterilization of the entire premises to ensure the establishment adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and compliance.
Adafsa, as part of its regulatory duties, regularly evaluates food establishments throughout Abu Dhabi to ascertain their adherence to stipulated guidelines. The authority has actively encouraged the public to play a vigilant role by reporting any perceived violations in food establishments via a toll-free hotline, 800555.
The incident highlights the authorities’ unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural and religious dietary norms in the emirate while underscoring the significance of safeguarding public health through stringent adherence to food safety standards.