Abu Dhabi shuts down food trading firm over public health violations

Abu Dhabi authorities have ordered the administrative closure of MS Food Trading after the establishment violated Law No. (2) of 2008, which governs food safety in the emirate. The decision, issued by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa), cites the business as posing a risk to public health.



Reason for Closure

Adafsa officials found that MS Food Trading failed to comply with safety regulations that apply to all businesses handling food, including restaurants, groceries, and trading firms. The violation triggered immediate enforcement action due to the potential threat to consumers.

Under the law, food violations are taken seriously if they involve:

• Poisonous or toxic substances
  
  
• Excessive pesticide residues
  
  
• Banned food additives
  
  
• Radioactive contamination
  
  
• Harmful allergens or veterinary drug residues
  
  
• Expired or bacteria-contaminated food
  
  
• Worm-infested items
  
  
• Cross-contamination during handling
  
  
• Meat from sick or improperly slaughtered animals
  
  
• Misleading food labels or adulterated products
  
  

Adafsa conducts routine inspections across Abu Dhabi to monitor food-related businesses and enforce food safety standards.



Will the Business Reopen?

The closure is not necessarily permanent. According to Law No. (2) of 2008, the authority may keep the business closed:

• Until the owner addresses and corrects the violation, or
  
  
• Until a final court decision is issued
  
  

Reopening can only occur after official approval from Adafsa. The law ensures that no establishment resumes operations unless it meets all safety and compliance requirements.