UAE plans new food safety standards system

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A new food safety standards system is being planned in the UAE.

It's expected to be launched in the next two months, according to Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change & Environment.

The new system will ensure that only top-rated products that comply with the highest international standards can enter the country.

Al Nuaimi told national news agency WAM that safety inspections on local production operations will also be strengthened.

He added that the system aims to improve the capabilities of screening and impoundment centres at all UAE entry points.

"The ministry is currently cooperating with the private sector in launching a major national project aimed at marketing local agricultural products, to improve customer trust in these products and boost their competitiveness," the minister explained.

This week, the ministry will launch a youth food security project, which aims to create advanced tech-enabled agricultural stations, in line with the UAE’s climate conditions, as well as to improve the skills of youth and enable them to manage the latest agricultural systems.

Al Nuaimi stressed that the ministry is implementing an advanced agricultural guidance system as well to encourage Emirati farmers to adopt sustainable practices that help preserve natural resources and utilise advanced technology.

The ministry is also committed to encouraging youth to engage in agricultural entrepreneurship, by linking them with relevant financing institutions.

Regarding the UAE Climate Strategy, Al Nuaimi affirmed that the ministry is drafting a regional climate action model through the UAE Climate Change Research Network, which will work with many academic institutions.

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