As a food processor, manufacturer, caterer, restaurant owner, packer, delivery company, or lab in Dubai, it's important to understand the Dubai Food Code and how it applies to your business. The Dubai Food Code is a set of regulations that governs food safety and hygiene standards in the emirate of Dubai. In this blog post, we'll cover some of the key regulations outlined in the Dubai Food Code and how they can be implemented in your business.

General Requirements

The Dubai Food Code outlines general requirements that apply to all food businesses in the emirate. These include:

1. Registering your food business with the Dubai Municipality
2. All food businesses in Dubai must be registered with the Dubai Municipality. To register, you will need to submit an application form along with supporting documents such as your trade license, health card, and food safety training certificate.
3. Obtaining a food safety training certificate for at least one person responsible for food safety in your business
4. At least one person in your food business must have a food safety training certificate. This person will be responsible for overseeing food safety practices and ensuring compliance with the Dubai Food Code.
5. Ensuring that all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene
6. All food handlers in your business must be trained in food safety and hygiene practices. This includes training on topics such as hand washing, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature control.
7. Maintaining a clean and hygienic food preparation and storage area
8. Your food preparation and storage area must be kept clean and hygienic at all times. This includes regular cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces, equipment, and utensils.

Implementing a pest control program

1. You must have a pest control program in place to prevent pests such as rodents and insects from entering your food premises. This program should include regular inspections, monitoring, and treatment as needed.
2. Having a documented food safety management system based on HACCP principles
3. You must have a documented food safety management system based on HACCP principles. This system should include procedures for identifying potential food safety hazards, implementing controls to prevent those hazards, and monitoring the effectiveness of those controls.

Food Handling and Storage

1. The Dubai Food Code also outlines regulations related to food handling and storage. These include:
2. Storing food at the correct temperature to prevent bacterial growth
3. Food should be stored at the correct temperature to prevent bacterial growth. Cold foods should be stored at 5°C or below, while hot foods should be stored at 60°C or above.

4. Separating raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination
5. Raw and cooked foods should be stored separately to prevent cross-contamination. This includes using separate storage areas, utensils, and equipment for raw and cooked foods.
6. Using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods
7. You should use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
8. Labeling all food containers with the date of preparation and expiry date
9. All food containers should be labeled with the date of preparation and expiry date. This helps ensure that food is used before it expires.
10. Discarding any food that has passed its expiry date
11. Any food that has passed its expiry date should be discarded immediately to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.

Food Preparation

1. When it comes to food preparation, the Dubai Food Code has specific regulations that must be followed. These include:
2. Ensuring that all food is cooked to the correct temperature to kill any harmful bacteria
3. All food should be cooked to the correct temperature to ensure that harmful bacteria are killed. The recommended cooking temperatures are 75°C for poultry, 70°C for beef, 63°C for fish, and 62°C for eggs.
4. Using only potable water for food preparation
5. Only potable water should be used for food preparation. This means water that is safe for human consumption.
6. Using only approved food additives and preservatives
7. Only approved food additives and preservatives should be used in food preparation. These additives must be listed on the label of the packaged food.
8. Ensuring that all food contact surfaces are cleaned and sanitized regularly
9. All surfaces that come into contact with food should be cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

Packaging and Labelling

1. Food packaging and labeling is also regulated by the Dubai Food Code. The code requires that:
2. All packaged food must be labeled with the name of the food, list of ingredients, net weight or volume, expiry date, and storage conditions
3. All packaged food should have a label that includes the name of the food, list of ingredients, net weight or volume, expiry date, and storage conditions.
4. The label must be in both English and Arabic
5. The label must be in both English and Arabic to ensure that consumers can understand the information.
6. Any claims made on the label must be truthful
7. Any claims made on the label must be truthful. For example, if a product is labeled as "organic," it must meet the requirements for organic certification.

Conclusions

As a food processor, manufacturer, caterer, restaurant owner, packer, delivery company, or lab in Dubai, it's important to understand the Dubai Food Code and how it applies to your business. The Dubai Food Code is a set of regulations that governs food safety and hygiene standards in the emirate of Dubai. In this blog post, we've covered some of the key regulations outlined in the Dubai Food Code and how they can be implemented in your business.

By following the regulations outlined in the Dubai Food Code, you can ensure that your food business is operating in compliance with local laws and regulations. This not only helps to protect the health and safety of your customers but also helps to protect your business from potential legal and financial liabilities.

Remember to register your food business with the Dubai Municipality, obtain a food safety training certificate for at least one person responsible for food safety in your business, ensure that all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene, maintain a clean and hygienic food preparation and storage area, implement a pest control program, and have a documented food safety management system based on HACCP principles. Additionally, follow regulations related to food handling and storage, food preparation, packaging and labeling, and transportation.

By implementing these regulations in your food business, you can ensure that you're providing safe and high-quality food products to your customers while also protecting the reputation and success of your business.

We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding the key regulations outlined in the Dubai Food Code. For more information on food safety and hygiene practices in Dubai, be sure to consult with a qualified expert or visit the Dubai Municipality website.