Dubai Police Take Action Against Illegal Street Food Vendors During Ramadan
Ten vendors arrested for violating health and safety regulations
Dubai Police have arrested ten street vendors engaged in the sale of food products in public areas without proper licenses, posing potential health risks.
This operation is part of a broader campaign initiated during Ramadan aimed at ensuring public safety and adherence to regulatory standards.
Authorities have expressed concern regarding the impact of such unregulated activities, which they argue undermine the city's image by fostering unauthorized makeshift markets in public spaces.
Colonel Ahmad Al Adeedi, Deputy Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department within the General Department of Criminal Investigation, emphasized that these unauthorized vendors frequently operate near labor accommodations, marketing food products under unsanitary conditions.
He urged the public to refrain from purchasing items from unlicensed vendors or unregulated vehicles, advocating for reliance on authorized businesses to guarantee food safety and quality.
Major Talib Al Amiri, Head of the Street Vendors Control Section, highlighted the serious health risks associated with consuming food from these vendors.
He indicated that products from unregulated sources are often improperly stored and displayed, raising the likelihood of spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
Dubai Police have announced plans for continuous and intensified patrols, working in partnership with relevant authorities to identify and apprehend violators.
Residents are encouraged to report any incidences of illegal street vending through designated channels, including the 901 call centre and the 'Police Eye' service available on the Dubai Police app.
Additionally, the Dubai Municipality has implemented measures aimed at ensuring health and safety compliance within the food sector during Ramadan.
This includes a regulatory campaign designed to prevent violations through four specific actions: enforcing health and safety standards, promoting self-compliance among businesses, enhancing awareness of health and safety guidelines, and ensuring ongoing training for personnel regarding these standards.
The Municipality has established a team of 52 inspectors responsible for conducting routine inspections across relevant institutions to enforce compliance with safety protocols.
Following the identification of violations, enforcement measures, such as fines and corrective directives with time limits for compliance, will be issued, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining high public health and safety standards.