Its import requires that it be free from ingredients that violate the provisions of “Halal” and prohibited steroids and hormones

“Industry” requires laboratory tests for “new foods” before being traded

Suppliers of “new foods” are required to submit an assessment of risk analysis and health and safety considerations.

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The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology revealed the start of implementing a new standard for the first time, related to the supply of what is known as “new foods” to the state, and it includes foods that have been developed by new manufacturing methods and methods, or as a result of “mixes”, innovative formulations, or produced from sources Edible fresh.

In a symposium organized yesterday on the general requirements and requirements for "new foods", as part of the UAE Innovation Month, "Emirates Innovates 2022", the Ministry explained that it requires suppliers of these foods to submit an assessment to the Ministry related to risk analysis, health and safety considerations, including conducting the necessary laboratory tests beforehand. circulation and marketing within the country.

Terms of approval

The ministry added that it is required to obtain approval for the import of “innovated foods” that the products be free of ingredients that violate the provisions of “halal” in Islamic law, such as pork products, and that the newly developed food be safe and suitable for human consumption, so that it is free from any substance or its residues in the quantities that are pose a danger to human health, and that the product be free of prohibited stimulants, hormones, and substances classified as prohibited in circulation, such as psychotropic substances, narcotics, and hallucinogens, pointing out that if the purpose of food is to replace another food, it must not differ from That food in such a way that its consumption is nutritionally inappropriate for the consumer.

Matching packaging

And she continued: “It is required that the materials in contact with food conform to their own standard specifications, that (new foods) be packed in packages that conform to the applicable specifications, and that the explanatory data on the (newed foods) statement card conform to the applicable UAE standard specifications, while fulfilling the requirements and provide all the documents required in the standard.

Initial approvals

A specialist in food specifications in the specifications and legislation sector in the ministry, Engineer Basem Hamad Al-Tarawneh, said that the products approved by the European Union, which are included in the list of newly issued foodstuffs issued by the Union, have met the requirements of the initial approval, and the products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, which are listed In the “Novelty Foods” list, it has met the requirements for initial approval classified as generally safe foods.

stimulating innovation

Al-Tarawneh explained that this specification was developed to contribute to achieving the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Industry, in terms of stimulating innovation, adopting advanced technology in industrial systems and solutions, and enhancing the country's position as a global destination for the pioneering future industries, while providing high-level infrastructure and human talents possessing skill and technological knowledge. Facilitating the entry of new products to the market, whether modified or produced in an innovative way, and manufactured using modern technology, while providing an appropriate legislative and legal structure to attract investments in new sectors.

Optional specification

Al-Tarawneh pointed out that the new specification is currently optional, but it includes internal mandatory conditions and requirements taken from other specifications, foremost of which are the specifications of the product data card, to clarify the specifications of the commodity to consumers, such as the name of the product, its detailed components, and its health issues.

The label should also reflect the true nature of the product, as well as the packaging specifications.

He pointed out that the standard may turn into "mandatory" in the future, indicating that this depends on factors, foremost of which is ensuring the preservation of the health and safety of consumers, and the impact on the environment.

new food

A food standards specialist in the specifications and legislation sector in the ministry, Engineer Basem Hamad Al-Tarawneh, said that the newly developed foods are foods that consist of, isolate or produced from animals or their parts, or include cell culture, or tissue culture derived from plants, animals, or living organisms. microorganisms, fungi, or algae.

They may also be foods consisting of nanomaterials or consisting of, isolated, or produced from a substance of mineral origin, or consisting of vitamins and minerals manufactured in new ways, or made from food supplements manufactured in new ways, or foods with a structure new, or intentionally modified

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