Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Policy.

This national cross-sectoral Policy aims at providing a regulatory regime that manages imported and domestic food safety, animal and plant food production and protection and sustainability in production. It also provides measures to minimizing, protecting and managing possible risks to public, plant and animal health and requires food business operators and food traders to take responsibility for the food safety and suitability. Responsible body to protect the health of animals and plants and deliver safe food (in collaboration with other Emirate and Federal agencies where appropriate) is the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority ADFCA. The document is composed of two main parts: the principles and general policies for ADFCA’s involvement in the agriculture and food sectors (Chapter 4), together with policy frameworks and specific policies for each of the agriculture (Chapter 5) and food (Chapter 6) sectors.
This Policy is focused on the growing food security demand, as well as its availability, accessibility and affordability. Purpose of the Government is to increase its involvement in the trade and commerce in food and to ensure controls in the food chain within the country. Main target of the document is the consumer, its safety and informed choice, together with food business operators’, responsible for food safety issues.
ADFCA’s Integrated Risk Management Framework, based on risk analysis, is an essential tool to provide a consistent approach for making decisions on any government intervention and action in response to animal, plant and human health related issues. Development and application of an integrated risk management framework is a core part of ADFCA’s approach to managing risk (risks might include those attached to animal feed, contaminants and residues and hygienic practices) and to ensuring preparedness for necessary emergency response, including contingency plans.
ADFCA is committed to a transparent and collaborative approach to its activities and to ensuring delivery of an efficient and effective integrated farm to fork approach. Necessary tools to achieve the goal are: Good Operating Practice; credibility and capability; transparency through deploying an efficient consultation and communication approach with consumers and stakeholders; alignment with international standards; harmonisation across the UAE; products’ traceability and labelling.