Office to play key role in supporting food safety in the region

World training solutions provider, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), celebrated the launch of its Dubai Healthcare City office - including a training centre, at a gala opening party at The Meydan Hotel.  The event was braced by HM consul general for the UAE Guy Warrington, senior studies and projects officer, Food Control for Dubai Municipality Bobby Krishna, the CIEH’s chief executive officer Graham Jukes and general manager and director of CIEH Middle East, Abdul Rashid. Additionally, about 70 representatives of the Middle East’s top food retail, construction, training solutions, and environmental management companies were in attendance from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt.

“The CIEH is a not for profit company, and is a registered charity with a Royal Charter embodying an altruistic mission to improve human health throughout the world. Any surpluses built up through our training and consulting activities are ploughed back into supporting professional growth; supporting developing laws and working with the government and other stakeholders to achieve health gain - a true social enterprise,” said CIEH CEO, Graham Jukes, in his opening remarks. “Working with us therefore means improving food safety and public health around the world,” he added.

According to industry analysts who witnessed this grand opening ceremony, CIEH has launched its Dubai office just at the right time when the region needs it most. The case in point is the newly enacted legislation which entitles all food processing and handling facilities to have trained and accredited Persons In Charge (PIC).  Voicing such a food safety regulation and the relevance of CIEH to lubricate them, Graham said: “There are many companies with adequate training products but the CIEH is the best and the only one with such pure and honorable motives, for the good of all humanity.”

Cementing the need to propel Dubai Municipality’s PIC program, general manager and director of the CIEH Middle East Abdul Rashid talked of his excitement to be working to improve food safety, health and safety and environmental management awareness. “We are launching our Person in Charge qualification in October, specifically tailored to the requirements of the Dubai Municipality, and of such a quality that companies can be assured their staff are trained to the highest worldwide standards.”

Illustrating the need for stringent food safety controls, it should be noted that the UAE is home to some 130 Food processing facilities and more than 1500 restaurants (most of which have a “C” grade). A safe food supply is therefore critical in the region to ensure high quality public health; competitive food exports markets and safe food imports.Adhering to the fact that food safety is dependent on GAP and GMP in food exporting countries; good inspection systems, safe distribution and storage, and consumer awareness of food safety in the destination countries, like the UAE, is equally important.