In food safety, hygiene is not just a standard—it is a commitment to public health, customer trust, and operational excellence. As the region continues to welcome a surge in global F&B concepts and increasingly health-conscious consumers, the spotlight on hygiene practices has never been brighter.

Clean Middle East is proud to present 9 Food Hygiene Champions of the Middle East—leaders who are setting new benchmarks in safe food handling, compliance, innovation, and culture-building across kitchens, supply chains, and front-of-house operations. These champions—from QSRs, central kitchens, and catering businesses—exemplify what it means to turn hygiene into a strategic advantage.

Join us as we celebrate their contributions to a safer, cleaner, and more resilient food service industry across the region - in alphabetical order. 

ADNH Catering

At ADNH Catering,food hygiene is the backbone of everything we do. 

Decades of service have taught us that trust is earned one safe plate at a time.

These five practices keep us, and our clients, ahead of the curve.

Sourcing with Certainty

Our supply-chain integrity framework vets every supplier and ingredient. Rigorous risk assessments and audits benchmarked against ISO 22000, HACCP, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000 and ISO 45001 safeguard quality from farm to fork.

Comprehensive Audits

More than 7,000 internal food-safety audits each year are logged through a digital platform that delivers real-time verification. Independent reviews by SGS and Bureau Veritas provide an extra layer of assurance and continual improvement.

HACCP: The Operational Backbone
Each kitchen runs a site-specific HACCP plan covering temperature control, allergen management, personal hygiene and cross-contamination. The result is global-standard compliance embedded in daily routines.

Regular Training and Certification

Our staff, at all levels, receive continuous training in HACCP, ISO standards, and BICSc practices. Regular refreshers aligned with Dubai Municipality and ADAFSA guidelines keep pace with innovations in food hygiene .

Culture 

Data alone doesn’t build hygiene, it’s our people. We empower staff to report and resolve issues on the spot. Incidents, audits and customer feedback feed a live dashboard, triggering corrective action within hours, not days.

Our practices have earned us partner-status with hospitals, universities, and corporates across the UAE. The result is safer food, lower non-compliance risk, and measurable improvements reflected in customer satisfaction and regulatory audit scores. Every day.

Emirates Flight Catering

At Emirates Flight Catering, our cleaning operations are integral to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. The following five technical best practices exemplify our commitment to excellence:

Ongoing Competency-Based Staff Training and Certification

Our cleaning personnel undergo continuous professional development programs. This ensures proficiency in the latest cleaning methodologies, hygiene standards, and safety protocols.

Application of HALAL and Food-Safe Cleaning and Sanitizing Chemicals

Our cleaning processes exclusively employ validated HALAL and food-safe detergents and sanitizers. These chemicals are carefully selected based on in-house lab tests for efficacy against microbial contaminants, while ensuring residue safety and compliance with international food safety regulations. To further ensure their effectiveness, we conduct daily internal microbiological swab tests on all cleaned equipment and machinery. This rigorous verification confirms microbial safety and supports continuous improvement in sanitation practices.

Digitized Cleaning Management and Compliance Documentation

Cleaning schedules, task assignments, and sanitation verification are managed via advanced digital platforms. This system facilitates real-time monitoring, comprehensive documentation, and audit-ready traceability for all cleaning operations.

Implementation of Color-Coded Cleaning Systems

We utilize a rigorously defined color-coded tool segregation protocol to eliminate cross-contamination risks. Each colour corresponds to specific zones and tasks, ensuring strict hygiene compliance across critical and non-critical areas. In addition, we have dedicated specialized cleaning teams assigned to high-risk zones, ensuring focused, expert attention to the most sensitive areas of our operations. This targeted approach enhances overall hygiene control and supports our mission to maintain the highest food safety standards.

Deployment of Advanced Cleaning Technologies

We integrate cutting-edge cleaning equipment, such as automated and robotic scrubbers and steam cleaning and sanitization machines, tailored to operational requirements. These technologies optimize cleaning efficacy, reduce human error, and enhance microbial control in critical food service zones.

Through these technical best practices, Emirates Flight Catering ensures robust cleaning and hygiene standards that align with international certifications, safeguarding food integrity from preparation to delivery.

Gates Hospitality

At Gates Hospitality, sustainability is embedded across all our venues, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality. From Dubai to Zighy Bay, each concept adopts impactful eco-practices tailored to its operations.

Reform Social & Grill composts waste, grows its own herbs, and recycles oil, glass, plastic, and paper. Meanwhile, folly Brasserie emphasises the use of filtered water, reusable menus, local sourcing, and bulk purchasing to minimize waste. Jardin Des Arts sets the bar with upcycled furnishings, reusable coasters, glass bottles, and biodegradable cleaning products, demonstrating true circular design.

Bistro Des Arts champions fabric napkins, coconut straws, and full-spectrum recycling, while Ultra Brasseries (Marina and Emaar Square) eliminate bottled water, track waste, compost food scraps, and train staff on eco-friendly goals. Straya Square goes further, integrating energy efficiency, digital-first practices, and carbon reduction policies through office-wide engagement.

The Hart Brasserie prioritises biodegradable packaging, oil and glass recycling, and local sourcing, complemented by low-flow water systems and HACCP-aligned hygiene standards.

Six Senses Zighy Bay showcases large-scale impact: reducing energy by 13.7% and water by 23.2%, removing marine waste, vaccinating over 1,000 goats, and achieving UN recognition for waste diversion and sustainable construction.

Collectively, Gates Hospitality is building a greener future; one venue, one meal, one action at a time.

Global Catering Services

At Global Catering Services, food hygiene is a fundamental pillar of our quality assurance system. We are committed to upholding the highest standards to ensure food safety across all our brands and operations. Below are five core hygiene practices implemented consistently across our facilities:

1. Strict Personal Hygiene Protocols

All food handlers follow rigorous personal hygiene standards, including mandatory handwashing, use of gloves, hairnets, and face masks, as well as daily health checks. Regular staff training reinforces these practices and ensures full compliance with local regulatory requirements and ISO 22000 standards.

2. Zoned Kitchen Design & Cross-Contamination Controls

GCS kitchens are designed with specific zones for raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat food preparation, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. The flow of staff and materials is strictly controlled, with dedicated utensils and equipment used in each zone.

3. Color-Coded Cleaning Tools by Section

To maintain hygiene integrity, a color-coded system for cleaning tools is implemented across all locations. Specific colors are designated for kitchen areas, restrooms and service zones preventing the use of tools across incompatible areas.

4. Daily Sanitation and Digital Monitoring

Comprehensive cleaning and sanitation schedules are strictly followed. All hygiene tasks are digitally monitored and verified in real time, enhancing consistency, accountability, and traceability across our operations.

5. Regular Audits and ATP Swab Testing

Internal hygiene audits are conducted routinely to assess compliance and identify gaps. ATP swab testing is used to verify surface cleanliness and detect microbial contamination, providing a scientific basis for evaluating sanitation effectiveness.

These practices reflect GCS’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest levels of food safety and operational excellence.

Intercat Hospitality

At Intercat Hospitality, food hygiene is the foundation of everything we do and it shows. Proud holders of the Golden A Award from Dubai Municipality and committed to global sustainability standards like EcoVadis, we implement rigorous hygiene practices that set us apart across the UAE’s foodservice industry.

Here are five best practices we champion daily:

Strict Hand Hygiene Protocols

All staff follow controlled handwashing procedures with scheduled checks, glove policies and accessible sanitizing stations, minimizing any risk of cross-contamination.

Temperature Control at Every Stage

From supplier delivery to plate service, we apply precise temperature monitoring and logging systems to uphold cold chain integrity and prevent bacterial growth.

Surface & Equipment Sanitization - Hourly & Logged

Our “clean-as-you-go” culture ensures all tools, equipment, and high-touch surfaces are sanitized hourly, with records maintained for full traceability.

Hygiene Training, Internal Audits & Compliance

Staff undergo regular food safety training, surprise audits, and are held accountable to HACCP -aligned SOPs creating a culture of constant readiness and improvement.

Zero-Waste Hygiene Systems at the CPU

Hygiene and sustainability go hand in hand. At our Central Production Unit, waste is separated, tracked, and minimized, with food-safe disposal and reduction practices embedded into hygiene routines.

Through discipline, training, and innovation, Intercat Hospitality continues to deliver food hygiene standards worthy of awards, and trusted by clients.

Lavoya Restaurants Group

At Lavoya, maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene is a core priority. We implement the following key best practices to ensure food safety and quality across all locations.

Training on personal hygiene

All team members undergo regular training on personal hygiene, including proper handwashing, use of protective clothing (gloves, hairnets, and aprons), and health checks. Staff are instructed to report any symptoms of illness to prevent contamination risks.

Structured cleaning schedule

We also follow a structured cleaning schedule for all food contact surfaces, equipment, and utensils using approved sanitizers. Cleaning logs are maintained and regularly reviewed to ensure consistency.

Appropriate temperatures

Foods are stored at appropriate temperatures to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. Raw and cooked items are stored separately to avoid cross-contamination, and all storage areas are clearly labeled and organized. Regular monitoring and calibration of refrigeration and cooking equipment to ensure that all food is stored and cooked at safe temperatures.

Color coding

Moreover, we use color-coded cutting boards and utensils for different food groups and enforce a strict cleaning protocol between tasks. Staff are trained to always follow safe food handling procedures.

These practices are regularly reviewed and updated to meet the highest food safety standards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests.

LOWE Restaurant

At LOWE, exceptional dining isn't just about flavor; it's built on a foundation of food safety seamlessly integrated with environmental and sustainable responsibility.

Here are just 5 of many of LOWE’s food hygiene best practices that we are happy to share with Clean Middle East.

Staff mastery, training and hygiene vigilance

It all starts with the team. LOWE’s staff get extensive training from day one on all of our procedures, however, we make sure everyone knows not only the how but the why. It’s one thing to comply, it’s another reason to understand the reasoning behind why we do it. Training manuals and SOP’s are always available for all team members and staff are encouraged to ask questions about everything.

Traceable, sustainable sourcing and organic waste management

At LOWE ingredient integrity is important.  We prioritize local, seasonal produce and rigorously vet suppliers for both hygiene and eco-compliance. This traceable sourcing minimizes supply-chain risks, ensures freshness, and supports ethical partners, directly contributing to food safety and reduced environmental impact.

Preventing cross-contamination

We are very lucky at LOWE to have such a large kitchen space to work with. This allows us to dedicate colour-coded zones and equipment for poultry, seafood, meat, and produce and enforce strict separation. Raw foods are always stored below cooked items, and plant-based proteins adhere to the same rigorous temperature controls, eliminating cross-contamination risks.

Temperature precision and zero-waste practice 

Safety meets sustainability in resource management. Digital monitors ensure cold storage, hot holding, and exact cooking temperatures. FIFO (first in, first out) inventory and innovative solutions like weekly "family meals", composting or repurposing all unused prep help in eliminating expired stock and achieving LOWE’s zero-waste ethos.

Deep cleaning and proactive audits

Beyond LOWE’s daily routines, weekly deep cleans target high-risk areas such scrubbing the charcoal grill and woodfired oven, sanitizing under all chillers, and deep washing all cookware, including hard scrubbing & polishing. We go beyond compliance, engaging in regular third-party audits exceeding local requirements as we hold ourselves to the highest standards for our guests. We also only use eco-friendly dish soap and food-grade chemicals for sanitization.

For LOWE, quality, hygiene and sustainability are inseparable. Every operational choice upholds the highest safety standards while conserving resources and we look to keep adding to these procedures and getting better everyday.

Papa John’s

Papa John’s UAE places a strong emphasis on food hygiene and safety, aligning its operations with both internal standards and local regulations. Here are five best practices they implement:

Alignment with Local Food Codes

Papa John’s ensures that its hygiene protocols are fully aligned with the Dubai Municipality Food Code. This includes maintaining documentation and conducting regular compliance checks to uphold local standards.

Rigorous Staff Training

All team members undergo comprehensive training in food safety and hygiene as part of their induction and training, before joining work. Their knowledge is assessed through formal evaluations, and ongoing coaching ensures consistent adherence to best practices. They are also required to formally attend and pass Foodwatch, a digital platform developed by Dubai Municipality to enhance food safety and transparency across the food supply chain

Regular Operational Audits

Area Managers conduct documented walk-throughs to inspect ingredient quality using digital means such as Zenput App on their Mobiles, equipment temperatures, and cleanliness. These audits help maintain high standards and identify areas for improvement, as well as reward teams for great performances.

Strict Hand Hygiene Protocols

Hand-washing is a non-negotiable practice at Papa John’s. Staff are trained in proper hand-washing techniques, reinforcing its importance beyond pandemic-related precautions. AI cameras installed in the Back of House remain ever vigilant to pickbany team members not following standards.

Accessible Hygiene Guidelines

A copy of the local food code is always available in-store for reference. This ensures that staff can consult official guidelines whenever needed, promoting a culture of accountability and awareness.

Above all, we promote a culture of maintaining hygiene & food-safety because that is the right thing to do, it is not for the sake of not failing an audit. These practices reflect Papa Johns’ commitment to delivering safe, high-quality food and live up to our promise of “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” while protecting the health of its customers and staff.

Wendy’s Middle East

Hygiene is more than a standard, it’s a promise we uphold every day, in every detail, for every guest. As the franchisee of Wendy’s Middle East restaurants, Alghanim Industries maintains an uncompromising approach to food safety, embedding cleanliness and food security into every aspect of our operations. All of our Wendy’s restaurants in the UAE have achieved an “A Gold” rating from Health Municipalities, reflecting our commitment to the highest food safety standards. 

Training and adherence to strict protocols

Following the brand guidelines, our employees undergo continuous, comprehensive training with a primary focus on food safety, personal hygiene, and sanitary work habits. General managers are entrusted with a critical role, ensuring their teams follow strict food handling protocols, conduct routine sanitation checks, and maintain hygiene excellence at all times. They are held accountable for leading by example and upholding Wendy’s high brand standards in every aspect of operation.

A robust set of practices

Food safety is uncompromisingly reinforced through a robust set of practices, with meticulous attention to temperature control, ingredient storage, and contamination prevention. Our refrigeration systems are continuously monitored with real-time temperature tracking to ensure compliance with the highest international standards. We implement a zero-tolerance policy for cross contamination, utilizing color coded utensils, dedicated surfaces, and separate storage areas for different food types. These practices designed by the brand help to preserve the integrity and safety of each ingredient.

Top tier vendors

Alghanim’s UAE restaurants excel in food safety with an EcoSure compliance rating of 98%, the highest in the region. We also collaborate with top tier vendors, including Ecolab, to ensure all cleaning systems and ingredients meet the highest food safety standards.

Wendy’s consistently earns top marks in food safety audits, setting the gold standard for the entire QSR industry. With unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous innovation, Wendy’s and Alghanim Industries are redefining food safety standards, delivering fresh famous food and peace of mind with every bite.