AR
UR
Municipality authorities across the Northern Emirates have warned residents against buying cheap food from illegal street vendors in the region. This development has come as part of an intensified crackdown campaign launched by the municipalities of Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah on illegal street food vendors.
Issuing a warning, Sharjah municipality affirmed that such illegal activities will not be tolerated during the holy month of Ramadan.
Sharjah
Speaking in this regard, Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality, said that such illegal street vendors appear near workers' accommodation, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, offering much cheaper snacks as compared to restaurants.
"Most of them use expired ingredients to make snacks, which often leads to food poisoning," he added.
Al Tunaiji further underlined that municipality has formulated necessary plans along with preparing all its concerned teams and departments to conduct thorough inspection of food preparation and serving facilities in the region.
Establishments are required to obtain prior licenses to display food items outside their premises during the holy month.
“The inspectors would not only target mobile vendors but also small food outlets that function during Ramadan without obtaining licenses from the municipality,” he warned.
Nasser Saeed Muhammad Al Tunaiji, head of the public health department at Al Dhaid Municipality, underlined that a comprehensive plan has been develop to ensure continuous monitoring of food products offered to customers during the holy month. Furthermore, inspectors have been designated to review and monitor the activities of illegal mobile food vendors who cook food at their accommodation using expired products and later sell them to poor workers and families.
"The mobile vendors who violate the municipality regulations would be subjected to strict punishment including deportation," he added.
Ajman
Khalid Al Hosani, director of the health and environment department at the Ajman Municipality, announced the prohibition of mobile food vending in Ajman. He affirmed that it is in violation of the Emirate's health regulations, noting that many street vendors were conducting their business illegally in the Emirate.
Fujairah
Hassan Al Yamahi, director of Dibba Fujairah Municipality, also stated that food vending is strictly prohibited in the Emirate and the municipality has been cracking down on the activities of such vendors.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times