A study presented by a senior microbiology analyst at the Dubai Central Laboratory, Asmaa Al Mulla, yesterday, during the 13th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, showed that 20% of meat processed in Dubai markets, plus ingredients not present on the product label, such as chicken ingredients.
The study, entitled "Survey of Fraud of Different Meat Products," was conducted on 45 samples collected from markets and shops, including 25 samples of minced meat, and 20 samples of processed meat, such as hot dogs, burgers, and others.
The samples were analyzed by the ELISA, or enzyme assay, and found that nine samples contained chicken ingredients, although the label indicated that they were "pure beef."
The concerned authorities recommended requiring exporters to write the actual percentage of meat in the product label.
The 13th edition of the Dubai International Food Safety Conference highlighted the importance of global partnerships among stakeholders to create a better future for food safety globally by engaging school students in an innovative and interactive way.
She stressed the design of activities and events appropriate for the age groups of school students, through which they are sensitized to good food handling practices, to reduce foodborne diseases, noting that more than 85 scientific posters from 13 countries around the world in the areas of food safety, including studies For local products, such as pumpkin and jam, products derived from camel milk, and research on measuring community awareness of good practices in food preparation and preservation.
Iman Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Municipality's Food Safety Department, confirmed that more than 50% of scientific posters were displayed on digital screens.
She pointed to the addition of a special corner of games directed to students on the foundations of food safety, to attract them and educate them the correct concepts in this area, given the need for society in these scientific disciplines in the future.
The municipality opened yesterday the International Fair of Vegetables and Fruits at the Dubai World Trade Center as the ideal platform for organizations to explore ways to meet the high demand for these fresh products.
The Director of Investment Department, Najib Mohammed Saleh, said that the exhibition witnessed the participation of the municipality to showcase the services and facilities provided in its markets to the public, especially for people of determination and senior citizens.
The current fruit and vegetable market in the emirate of Dubai is one of the largest markets in the UAE, and is a major destination for fruits and vegetables, whether coming from within or outside the UAE, through land, sea and air transport. It is also considered one of the most important markets for the export of vegetables and fruits outside the country.
• 45 samples collected from markets and shops were studied, including 25 minced meat and 20 processed.
• The study recommended requiring exporters to write the actual percentage of meat in the product label.