Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has announced the administrative closure of the 'Save Way' Supermarket located in the Al Khalidiyah (West 6) area of Abu Dhabi.

This decision is part of a broader enforcement action in response to poor hygiene and food safety violations across multiple establishments.

According to ADAFSA, four restaurants and one additional food establishment were also shut down in 2024 under the provisions of Law No. (2) of 2008 on food safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

These closures were mandated due to non-compliance with the established food safety regulations, posing risks to public health.

The authority cited several reasons for these administrative orders, including,

- Failure to uphold cleanliness standards for equipment, notably refrigeration units.

- Non-adherence to food handler training certification requirements.

- Displaying ready-to-serve food at inappropriate temperatures.

- Neglecting proper cleaning practices for floors, shelves, and food-contact surfaces.

- Inadequate protective attire for staff in food preparation areas, such as hairnets and gloves.

Additional infractions included poor hygiene practices in food handling and storage, lack of maintenance in food preparation zones, unclean operational environments, pest infestations, and improper storage of food which exposes it to contamination.

ADAFSA has made clear that the closure orders are to remain in force until all cited violations are corrected.

The authority has also indicated that operations can resume following compliance with health standards and the completion of necessary corrective actions.

Furthermore, ADAFSA encourages the community of Abu Dhabi to report any observed food safety violations or concerns regarding food quality by using the toll-free number 800555.

This initiative aims to aid ADAFSA inspectors in their efforts to monitor and enforce food safety standards throughout the Emirate.