your guards to safe food - adafsa.gov.ae · phases of the entire food chain to protect the...
TRANSCRIPT
www.ADFCA.ae
Annual Report 2011Abu dhAbi food control Authority
YOUR GUARDS TO SAFE FOOD
Annual Report 2011
جـهـاز أبــوظـبـي للرقابة الغذائيةABU DHABI FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY
YOUR GUARDS TO SAFE FOOD
2 3www.ADFCA.ae
Contents- Message from the Chairman 5
- Members of the Governing Board, ADFCA 6
- Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority
•SettingupofAbuDhabiFoodControlAuthority(ADFCA) 7
•MainobjectivesbehindestablishingADFCA 8
•Vision,MissionandCorporateValues 9
•SummaryandHighlightsoftheStrategicPlan2011–2015 10
•CoreBusinessAreas 11
•TheGovernmentOutcomes 12
•TheStrategyMap 13
•DevelopingStakeholders’EngagementPlan 14
•HighlightsoftheStrategicPlan2011–2015 10
-Accomplishments&PerformanceIndicators
•Thelegislativeside 17
•TheExecutiveside 21
•TheAwarenessside 39
•TheCorporateside 43
5www.ADFCA.ae
Message from the Chairman
AbuDhabiFoodControlAuthority(ADFCA)embodiesaclear-sightedinitiativethat
emanatedfromthevisionoftheGovernmentofAbuDhabi,ledbyHisHighnesses
SheikhKhalifabinZayedAlNahyan,PresidentoftheUnitedArabEmirates,and
GeneralSheikhMohamedbinZayedAlNahyan,CrownPrinceofAbuDhabiand
DeputySupremeCommanderoftheUAEArmedForces.Theobjectivebehindthe
settingupofADFCAwastoenhancethewell-beingof thepeoplebyadhering
to high standards of food safety and comprehensive monitoring systems for
agricultureandanimalwealth.
Sinceitsinceptionsixyearsago,ADFCAhasworkedeffectivelyandconsistentlyto
setanexcellentexampleforfoodmonitoringintheemirate.Duringtheseyears,
theAuthorityhasmadeimportantaccomplishmentsinvarioussectorsandmade
foritselfanimpressivereputationamongitscounterpartsintheregionandacross
theworld.
ThesystemofmonitoringthattheAuthorityhasputinplaceishighlyadvanced
andmodernandguaranteesthesafetyof foodsbeingcirculated inthemarket.
ThepraiseworthyobjectiveofitallistoimprovethequalityoflifeforUAEnationals
andresidentsalike,contributingtoincreasedtrustonthepartoftheconsumerin
thesystem.
A salient achievement of the Authority in the past year has beenwinning the
internationalprestigiousPalladiumBalancedScorecardHallofFame2011Award
forstrategyexecution.WinningtheComplianceCertificateforIntegratedManagementSystemfromtheBritishInstitutefor
Standardswasanotherhighlight.TheMinisterofInteriorExcellenceAwardfortheyear2011forthebeststrategicpartnerand
theInternationalBusinessAwards2011(Stevie)wereotherrecognitionsthatcrownedtheAuthority’sillustrioustrackrecord.
AllthesewerethefruitsoftheAuthority’soutstandingcontributionsandexcellentservicestothecommunity.
Thereisnoroomforcomplacence.OursuccesseswillcontinuewiththehelpofGod,thankstothewisdomandfar-sighted
visionofour leadershep.TheAuthoritywillcontinue,withtheblessingsofAllah, tomarchonthepathofsuccesstowards
globalstandardsandunmatchedadvancement.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
DeputyPrimeMinisterandMinisterofPresidentialAffairs
6 7www.ADFCA.ae
Members of the Governing Board
HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al NahyanDeputyPrimeMinisterMinisterofPresidentialAffairsChairman
HE Hamad Al Hurr Al SuwaidiChairmanoftheDepartmentofFinanceMember
HE Nasser Ahmed Al SuwaidiChairmanoftheDepartmentofEconomicDevelopmentMember
HE Majid Ali Al MansouriChairmanoftheDepartmentofMunicipalAffairsMember
HE Rashid Mubarak Al HajriChairman of Al Foah and AghdiaMember
Major General Obaid Al Hairi Salem Al KatbiDeputyGeneralCommanderofAbuDhabiPoliceMember
Setting up of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)
AbuDhabiFoodControlAuthority(ADFCA)wassetupasperadecreefromHHSheikhKhalifabinZayedAlNahyan,PresidentoftheUnitedArabEmiratesandtheRuleroftheEmirateofAbuDhabi,inordertoactualizethenobleideasandvisionofthewiseleadershiponfoodsafetyandconsumercareinthelocalcommunity.
HHthePresidentissuedtheDecreeNo.2forsettinguptheAuthorityinMarch2005withaviewtoprotectpeoplefromfood-related risks, toguarantee thequalityof food forhumanconsumptionand toconduct studiesandresearchnecessaryforfoodsafety.
InApril2008,LawNo.5whichamendedsomeclausesofthepreviousdecreewasissued,conferringtoADFCAthe authority to issue legislation and ruleswith regard to the typesof foodbeing soldor offered for humanconsumption.
ADFCAconsistsofanumberofimportantsectors:StrategicPlanningandPerformanceManagement,FoodSafety,CorporateServices,PolicyandRegulation,AgriculturalAffairs,Development,andAnimalWealth.
Thefoundationalvisionbehindthesettingupin2005ofADFCAwastobeginworkonrestructuringthemonitoringsystemstokeeppacewiththebestinternationalpracticesinagricultureandfoodsafety,inawaythatcontributestobetterqualityoflifeforthepeopleandtoadoptabalancedapproachtoconsumerprotectionandfreetrade.
Thefirst and themost important legislation– the FoodLaw for the EmirateofAbuDhabi issuedon January20,2008–cameasapioneeringmove in thecountryasawhole. Itwasalsoamongthefirstbasic legislativeframeworksforfoodsafetyintheentireregion.ThissignificantdevelopmentsprangfromtheAuthority’smessageofguaranteeingsecureandhealthyfoodanddevelopingalegislativeinfrastructureaimedatlayingdownpublicpoliciesandlegislationforprotectingthehealthoftheconsumerthroughtransparentandhonestworkpractices,clearmonitoringmissionsandaresponsibleprivatesector.
8 9www.ADFCA.ae
Main objectives behind establishing ADFCA:
1. Ensuringthatfoodsthataresold,importedorofferedforconsumptionaresafeandofgoodqualityandfreefromcontaminantsanddiseases.
2. Ensuringthequalityandsafetyofallaspectsofpacking,canning,pre-servingandtransportingofproductsimported,soldorofferedforcon-sumptionasfoodstuffs.
3. Layingdownspecifications,conditionsandrules,pertainingtothequal-ityandsafetyoffoodinassociationwithrelevantauthorities-betheyrelatedtofoodsthemselvesortothemeansusedintheircanning,pack-ing,preservation,transportationordistribution.
4. Encouragingandprovidingpatronageto researchthathelps in layingdownstandardspecificationsandgeneralrulesforassessingandanalyz-ingfood.
5. TrainingtechnicalstaffworkinginareasrelatedtothefunctionsofAD-FCA.
6. Executingregularandwell-plannedinspectionsonfoodoutlets,manu-facturingunitsandcookingareas, includinghotels, restaurants,coffeeshops,marketsandshops.
7. Effectivelyinspectingincomingfoodshipmentsandissuingexportcer-tificatesforfoods.
8. Educating workers at food establishments and raising their healthawareness.
9. SpreadingfoodawarenessandintroducingADFCAthrougheducationalandinformationprograms.
10.Participation in conducting agricultural and animal production pro-gramsandmonitoringthedifferentphasesofproductionandmanufac-turinguptothelevelofproductsbeingofferedforsaleasfoodstuffs.
11.ChoosingandimplementinganalyticalsystemsthatmeetalltheneedsofADFCA.
Vision, Mission and Corporate ValuesThecorporatevisionofAbuDhabiFoodControlAuthority,sinceitsinceptionin2005,wastoworkonrestructuringthemonitoringsystemstokeeppacewiththebestinternationalpracticesinagricultureandfoodsafetyinawaythatcontributestobetterqualityoflifeforthepeopleandtoabalancedapproachtoconsumerprotectionandfreetrade.
VisionAn internationally recognized food and agriculture organization that contributes to the well-being of thecommunity.
MissionTodevelopa sustainable agriculture and food sector that ensures thedeliveryof safe food to thepublic andprotects the health of animals andplantswhile promoting sound environmental and foodpractices throughcohesiveandeffectivepoliciesandregulations,qualitystandards,researchandawareness.
Corporate Values- Teamwork
- Professionalism
- Leadership
- Integrity
- Transparency
- ServiceExcellence
10 11www.ADFCA.ae
Functional framework for performance for the Government of Abu Dhabi
Vision
Governmentobjectives
Government outcomes
Priorities
Initiatives
Summary and Highlights of the Strategic Plan (2011 – 2015)
ADFCA’sStrategicPlan2011–2015waspreparedwithaviewtoconformtothedirectivesoftheGovernmentofAbuDhabiwithregardtostrategicplanningandperformancemanagement.Theplantookintoaccountthegovernment’sorientationandcomprehensivevisionpertainingtoagriculturalsustainabilityandfoodsafetyintheEmirateofAbuDhabi.ADFCAStrategicinitiativesweredevelopedinalignmentwiththestrategicprioritiestoachievetheobjectivesofthesafetyofagriculturalandfoodsectors,oneofthemainfocalareasofADFCA’sworkafterthemergeroftheAgricultureSectorandAbuDhabiFoodControlAuthority.
Translating the vision of ADFCA into priorities and initiatives
Conformity with the objectives and outcomes as per the general agenda of the Government of Abu Dhabi
Core Business Areas
ADFCA was keen during the preparation of theStrategicPlan todefine the CoreBusinessAreasofitsoperationsandtostudythepresentandchangingdirectives it was meant to carry out. They are asfollows:
Policy & Regulation:
Preparationanddevelopmentofpolicies,rulesandqualityyardsticksthataimat guaranteeing food safety and agricultural sustainability in coordinationandconsultationwithvariousstakeholders
Food Safety:
Oversightonallfoodsafety-relatedoperationalactivitiesandtheirmonitoringin linewith the relevantpolicies and legislations through inspections andlaboratory tests. Likewise, control of instancesof food-bornediseases andrecallofdefectivefoodproductsincoordinationwithinternalandexternalstakeholders.
Research and Development:
Developmentandexecutionofprojectsandresearchforthepurposeoffoodsafetyandagriculturalsustainabilityincoordinationwithvariousstakeholders.Likewise,conductingstudies,surveysandstatisticalanalysesscientificallythroughgatheringandprocessingrelevantdata.
Awareness:
Planningandexecutionof effectiveand integratedawareness and trainingprograms for various stakeholdersacrosstheentirefoodchainandthepromotionofsoundpracticesinagricultureandfood. Agricultural Affairs and Animal Wealth:
Promotinghighqualityagriculturalproductionthroughimplementing‘GoodAgriculturalPractices,’incorporatingsuitable farming techniquesand through themanagementofgovernmentassistanceprogramwithaview toenhanceagriculturalproductionandcontributetobio-securitybywayofguaranteeingthehealthofanimalsandplants.
Food Security:
Coordination with various stakeholders in preparing and executing a comprehensive plan for food security,enablingallnationalsandresidentsintheUAEtohavesecureaccesstohealthynutritiousfoodinallcircumstances,includingemergenciesandcrises.
12 13www.ADFCA.ae
Assuring Food Safety
Assuring food safety through phasesoftheentirefoodchaintoprotecttheconsumersfromfood-relatedhealthrisks.Itmeansthefollowing:• Comparisonwithinternational
practicesandtheexamplesofoutstandingcountries,basedonriskassessmentmethodology.
• Development,implementationand monitoring of implementationoflegislationsandtheirassessmentwithaviewtoguaranteecontinuousimprovementonthem.
• Disseminationofawarenessthrougheducationandtrainingoftheconsumersand food handlers in the food manufacturingsector.
• Cooperationwithconcernedauthoritiestoofferourserviceseffectivelyandefficientlyandwithhighqualitytoallstakeholders.
A secure food supply for the Emirate
Coordinationwithvariousstakeholdersinpreparingandexecutingacomprehensivefoodsecurityplanwithaviewto enabling all nationals and residentsintheUAEtohaveaccesstohealthynutritiousfoodinasecurefashioninallcircumstances,includingemergenciesandcrises.
• Confrontingfluctuationsinglobaldemandandsupplyratioorhaltinfoodsupplyfrominsideoroutsidethecountry.
• Workonensuringsufficientstrategicstocksofessentialfoodcommoditiesisinprogress.
Ecologically sustainable development of the agricultural industry
• Theagriculturalsectorisconsideredoneofthelargestconsumersofwateranditisareflectiononthemanagementofagriculturallandsandsoiltreatment.Theincreasingpopulationandtheneedtosecurefoodforthem,requirespecialeffortstoguidetheagriculturalsectortowardsenvironmentally sustainable consumptionofwater,thecorrectuseofchemicalsandsafewastemanagementoffarms.
• Sustainableagriculturaldevelopmentisbasedonabalancedframeworkfordevelopingandimplementingsuitable farming systems and goodagriculturalpractices.Moreover,increasingproductionefficiencythroughmoderntechniquesandcombininghighvaluecropsandanimalwealtharealsoessential.
MissionTo develop a sustainable agriculture and food sector that ensures the delivery of safe food to the public and protects the health of animals and plants while promoting sound environmental and food practices through
cohesive and e�ective policies and regulations, quality standards, research and awareness
VisionAn internationally recognized food and agriculture organization
that contributes to the well-being of the community
Gov
ernm
ent
Cham
pion
Out
com
es
Inte
rnal
Proc
esse
s
ADFCA STRATEGY MAP 2011-2015
GCO1
Assuring Food Safety A secure food supply for the EmirateEcologically sustainable development
of the agricultural industry
Public Organizations
SD1 SD2 SD3 SD4 SD5Ensure access to a�ordable and
su�cient safe food
IP4 Develop and enforce transparent and stable
legislation
IP5Enhance awareness
and education
Contribute to bio-security by assuring plant and animal health
Partner with entities to meet community
expectations
Enhance business performance
Assist farmers to maintain farms in sustainable
ways with fair income
Reso
urce
sR1
Build critical competencies
R2 Ful�l social requirements of
Abu DhabiGovernment
R3 Become a strategy focused
organization
R4Integrate
and align InformationTechnology
R5Have
world-class facilities
R6 Optimize budget allocation and
utilization
IP6 Ensure agriculture production with comparative
advantage and GAP
IP2 Proactively buildstakeholder network and
knowledge sharing
IP3 Improve and encourage continuous basic risk
assessment and research
IP7 Adopt, promote and introduce appropriate
agro-technologies
IP1
Improve key processes
Serv
ice
Del
iver
y
Teamwork Professionalism Leadership Integrity Transparency Service Excellence
Our Values
GCO2 GCO3
The Government Outcomes:
ADFCAcontributes to several outcomeswithin thepolicy agenda for 2030. It is directly responsible for threeGovernmentOutcomesasfollows:
The Strategy Map
The strategyofADFCAhasbeenpreparedon thebasis ofThebalanced scorecard frameworkwhich revolvesaround three perspectives (ServiceDelivery, Internal Processes and Recourses). Priorities for eachperspectivehavebeensetinordertodevelopthenecessaryresourcesformanagingADFCA’sprocessestooffertheexpectedservicesaselucidatedintheAuthority’sstrategymap.
14 15www.ADFCA.ae
StakeHolder2012.ai 1 21/03/2012 13:29
Developing Stakeholders’ Engagement Plan
ADFCAconsidersitimportanttomeettheneedsandexpectationsofstakeholdersandtoestablishwidenetworksthatenableittounderstandtheirneedsandtoidentifypartnershipopportunities.PartnershipsintheAuthorityareregularlyestablished,therebyofferingaddedvaluetoallrelevantpartiesintheprocessofstrikingsustainablerelationsandachievingADFCA’svision.
TheStrategicPlanningandPerformanceManagementDivisionhasdevelopedtheengagementplantoensureeffectivecommunicationswithstakeholders,whichincludes::
· StakeholdersManagementMethodology.
·ADFCAStakeholders’description
·ClassificationanddistributionofADFCA’sstakeholders
·Timetableandmechanismforthecommunicationplanwiththestakeholders.
Highlights of the Strategic Plan 2011 – 2015
ADFCA’sStrategicPlanhasidentifiedtheprioritiesthatmustbegivenprimacyduringthefiveyearsinordertoachievethevisionanddesiredmissionthroughtheimplementationofthebalancedscorecard.
The Strategic Priorities
1. Ensureaccesstoaffordable&sufficientsafefood.
2. Contributetobio-securitybyassuringplant&animalhealth.
3. Partnerwithentitiestomeetcommunityexpectations.
4. Enhancebusinessperformance.
5. Assistfarmerstomaintainfarminsustainablewaywithfairincome.
6. Improvekeyprocesses.
7. Proactivelybuildstakeholdernetwork&knowledgesharing.
8. Improve&encouragecontinuousbasicriskassessmentandresearch.
9. Develop&enforcetransparent&stablelegislation.
10. Enhanceawarenessandeducation.
11. Ensureagricultureproductionwithcomparativeadvantage&GAP.
12. Adopt,promote&introduceappropriateagro-technologies.
13. Buildcriticalcompetencies.
14. FulfilsocialrequirementsofADgovernment.
15. Becomeastrategyfocusedorganization.
16. Integrate&alignIT.
17. Haveworld-classfacilities.
18. Optimizebudgetallocationandutilization.
The18prioritiesoutlinedinthestrategicplanfocusonsupportingthepotentialitiesofADFCAanddevelopingitsservicesofferedtothepublic. Inordertoguaranteethe achievement of these priorities, the plan has alsoidentifiedkey performance indicators tomeasure theresults in a systematic manner besides working onexecuting a number of strategic initiatives to improveperformanceandachieverelevantstrategicpriorities.
16 17www.ADFCA.ae
THE LEGISLATIVE SIDE
18 19www.ADFCA.ae
Accomplishments and performance indicators – the legislative side:
Supporting legislations:BasedontheFoodLawNo:6of2008andthelawofsettingupADFCANo:6of2005andtheamendmentsandprotocolspertainingtolegislations,HisHighnesstheChairmanoftheboardofficiallyapprovedsomesupportinglegislationsthatADFCAhasprepared. Practice guides:
· Practiceguideno:4/2011ontrackingandrecalloffoods.
· Practiceguideno:5/2011onthegeneralrequirementsforfoodlabels.
· Practiceguideno:6/2011onimplementingriskanalysissystemandcriticalpointscontrol(HACCP)forthefoodmanufacturingsector.
· Practiceguideno:7/2011oncontrollingcontagiousandepidemicaldiseasesamongfarmanimals.
· Practiceguideno:8/2011oncultivatingcucumberingreenhouses.
· Practiceguideno:9/2011oncultivatingtomatoesinopenfields.
· Practiceguideno:10/2011onagriculturalpestcontrol.
· Practiceguideno:11/2011ontheuseoffertilizers.
· Practiceguideno:12/2011onhealthypracticesinslaughterhouses.
· Practiceguideno:13/2011onfoodhealthinthecateringsector.
· Practiceguideno:14/2011ongoodveterinarypractices.
· Practiceguideno:15/2011ongoodpracticesinanimalproductionunits.
· Practiceguideno:16/2011onfarmresiduemanagement.
Extension guides:
· Extensionguideno:1/2011onfoodimporters.
· Extension guide no: 2/ for inspectors on external examination and sample gathering (Part 1 – bordercrossings).
· Extensionguideno:3/2011onveterinaryvaccinations.
Administrative decrees:
1- DirectorGeneral’sdecreeno:29/2011ondetailedtables for the plans for gathering samples ofimportedfoodsforofficialmonitoringpurposesintheemirateofAbuDhabi.
2- Director General’s decree no: 15/2011 on theconditions and criteria for entitlement tofinancial assistance for farm owners in theemirateofAbuDhabi.
Developing Food Safety Policy and Agricultural
Policy
Based on the already prepared road-map and the analysis of gaps andcomparisons with the latest international practices in regard to layingdownfoodsafetyandagriculturalpoliciesintheemirateofAbuDhabi,thepreparationofthepolicydocumentonfoodsafetyhasbeencompletedandithasbeenapprovedbytheADFCAboard.Thedocumentcomprisesarestructuringofthepoliciesandthepublicpoliciesinadditiontofoodsafetypolicies.
As for the agricultural policy document, a select group of internationalexperts in agriculture have been contracted.Work on laying down thepolicy document is done in cooperation and coordination with all theinternalandexternalpartners.Seventypercentofthedocumenthasbeencompletedandthemergeroftheagriculturalpolicywiththepreviouslypreparedfoodsafetypolicieswillbedone,leadingtotheincorporationofboththepoliciesintoasingledocument.
20 21www.ADFCA.ae
THE EXECUTIVE SIDE
22 23www.ADFCA.ae
Strategic Planning and Performance Management
Enabling Capabilities
Inpursuitofthestrategicgoalofmakingtheorganizationapioneerthatisrunstrategically,ADFCAhasworkedonexecutingthebelow-listedprojectsthatguaranteeinteractivityandintegrationacrossthevarioussectorsoftheAuthorityandbetterservicesprovidedtothepublic.
1- Balanced Scorecard Project
TheimplementationoftheBalancedScorecardProjectservesasafunctionalframeworkforfollowingupontheexecutionofthestrategicplanandimprovingthestandardsofservicesoffered.Italsolaysdownthemechanismfor executing strategic projects and monitoring performance with a view to taking sound decisions andachievingthegovernmentoutputsentrustedwiththeAuthority.Throughthisproject,prioritiesandinitiativeshavebeensetfortakingtherequiredservicestohigherstandardsofqualityandforutilizingthefinancialandhumanresourceseffectively.Thisisforensuringbetterinternaloperationalmanagementinawaythatresultsincontinuousimprovement.ThestrategymapsforthevarioussectorsofADFCAhavealsobeenfinalizedsothatthereisharmonyandlinkagebetweentheprioritiesandgoals,variousdepartmentsanddivisionswithineachsectorandthestrategicplanoftheAuthority.ThiswillensurethatthestaffareawareofhowandtowhatextenttheycancontributetoaccomplishingtheprioritiesofthevarioussectorsinparticularandthoseoftheAuthorityingeneral.
2- Business Process Management (BPM)
TheprincipalprocessesoftheAuthorityhavebeenidentifiedinorderfor ittoserveasthebasisonwhichtheclassificationandrestructuringoftheprocessescanbedone.Similarly,thesecondrungoftheprincipalprocessesandthesecondaryprocesseshavealsobeenidentifiedandfixeduptotheworkflowprogressandworkprocedures.Restructuringoftheprocesses,thedevelopmentoftheworkflowprogressandtheoperationalworkprocedureshavealsobeenidentifiedbasedonthefunctionalneeds,internationalbestpracticesandspecifications,aswellascomparisonwithpioneeringcountriesinordertoguaranteeefficiencyandeffectiveness,includingintheservicesofferedsotheAuthoritymeetstheneedsofallthestakeholders.
3- Integrated Management System (IMS) implemented in ADFCA
Inpursuitof itsvisiontobecomean internationally recognizedorganization inthespheresof foodsafetyandagriculture,ADFCAhasadopted,aspartofitsstrategicplan,theimplementationofsixinternationalmanagementsystems. This has been done with a view to guarantee systems integration as per the requirements of theinternationalspecificationsasexplainedinthechart.ADFCAhassetuptheIMSasameanstoexecutivethesesystemsinlinewiththerequirementsofBSPAS99:2006system.
Achievements and Performance Indicators – The Executive Side
Policy and Regulation
ADFCAhas implementedanumberof regulationsandprojectsduringtheyear2011inordertoensuretheexecutionofpoliciesandlegislationsthattheAuthorityhasissued:
Risk based system for Imported Food (RBS) 1. Monitoringsystemonimportedfoodsonthebasisoftheirpotentialhealth hazards was initially implemented at the Abu Dhabi InternationalAirport,AlGhweifatbordercrossingandKhalifaseaport.Worktocompletetheimplementationisongoinginotherplaces.2. Monitoring systemon thebasisofhealthhazardson localmarkets:The initiative fordesigningthesystemfor the localmarketswasapproved
aspartofthestrategicplanoftheAuthority.Thisisinkeepingwiththeconcernthatitshouldbescience-basedandalsobasedontheprincipleofriskanalysis,takingintoaccounttheimplementationandscientificaspects.Theprojectaimsataredistributionofresourcesandintensificationofeffortstowardsthoseareasthatposehighriskstohumanhealth.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system for catering businesses
ThisprojectaimsatassistingfoodestablishmentsthatfunctioninthecateringsectortoimplementfoodsafetymanagementregulationsbasedontheprincipleofriskanalysissystemandHACCP.Thisistofulfillfuturelegislativerequirements.Itincludesthedesignanddevelopmentofregulationsandpracticeguidesanddirectivestepsinadditiontothenecessarymaterialsandtoolsforthecateringsectorduringtheexperimentalphaseoftheproject.TheprioritiesforthoseestablishmentsthatareriskierforthegeneralpublicandthosewhichlackthecapacitytoimplementthesystemwithoutADFCA’ssupporthavebeenfixed.Ontheotherhand, thecateringsectorhasbeendivided into the followingcategories: internationaland localrestaurantchains,hospitals,schools,popularkitchensthatcatertoweddingsandthelikes,foodsupplyundertakingservices,hotelsandlabourcamps.Thishasbeendonewithaviewtostudytheneedsoftheestablishmentsineachcategorythroughextensiveanalysisofthegapsinthepresentsituation.Dataforfoodestablishmentsfromallregionsoftheemiratehavebeencollectedandconsultationstrategyhasbeenexecutedwiththepartnersthroughanumberofworkshops,includingaworkshopforalltheestablishmentsfunctioninginthecateringsector.
Food Import Management Information System (FIMIS)After the initial phase of implementationof themonitoring systembasedonhealth risks for imported foodsin Zayed Port since 2009, the Online Linkage System for Information Management in imported foods wasimplementedduringend-November2011.ThesystemaimstolinkonlineDepartmentofCustoms,theinspectorsandadministratorsofthebordercrossingsandthelaboratoriesDivisioninordertodocumentalltheproceduresinregardtoshipmentsofimportedfoodsatthebordercrossings.ThisismeantasadatabasethatexpeditesissuanceofreportsandenablestheAuthoritytoidentifyriskareas,exportingcountries,importersandtherelevantmanufacturingcompanies.Moreover,thisalsohelpsindevelopingperformancecriteriawithvarioustradepartnersinadditiontodesigningthemechanismfortakingoutdataandanalyzingthemtodevelopreliablebasisfordecision-makinginriskmanagement.
1. Balanced Scorecards (BSC) Project
Strategymapsforsectorsand divisions
IdentifyinginitiativesandindicatorsStrategicperformanceindicatorsthroughBalancedScorecards(forsectors,divisionsandsections)
EnsuringthatADFCAprocessesandproceduresareinharmonywiththestrategicplanandperformanceindicators,thelinkbetweenthemanddocumentationaspertherequirementsoftheIntegratedManagementSystem
Integrationofallregulations(Balancedscorecard,Processes,IntegratedManagementSystemaspertheISOspecifications)
BusinessProcessesStructure
ISO14001TheEnvironment
OHSAS18001HealthandSafety
ISO9001Quality
Workflowprogressandoperationalworkprocedures
LinkingProcessesManagementSystemwithStrategicgoalsandperformanceindicators
Strategicgoalsandpriorities
Businessunits’Scorecards
2. Business Process Management (BPM)
3. Integrated Management
System (IMS) system
Project Plan of Enabling Capabilities
24 25www.ADFCA.ae
TheobjectiveofADFCAwastodevelopitsentireoperationsandprocedureswithinastructurethatenablesittomanagethemefficiently.Theideawastoachievethemaximumpossibleefficiencyinallitsoperations,toutilizealltheresourcesatitsdisposalinthemostidealfashion,andtoofferthebestpossibleservicestoitscustomers.Fourinternationalmanagementsystemshavebeenfullyimplementedandtheyareasfollows:
1. ISO9001:2008QualityManagementSystem
2. ISO14001:2004EnvironmentManagementSystem
3. OHSAS18001:2007OccupationalHealthandSafetySystem
4. ISO/IEC17025:2008LaboratoriesAccreditationSystem
Initseagernesstofollowupontheimplementationoftheenvironment,healthandsafetysystems,adirectivecommitteehasbeenformedbyADFCAasperadecreefromtheDirectorGeneral(No.5/2011).Thecommitteeaimsatthefollowing:
• Supervision of the implementation of the above mentioned systems on all buildings, activities, andoperationsoftheAuthorityinawaythatmeetstherequirementsoftheAbuDhabiEnvironment,healthandSafetySystemaswellastheIntegratedManagementSystem.
• SupervisionontheimplementationoftheAbuDhabiEnvironment,healthandSafetySystemonthefoodsector.
• HelpingADFCAindischargingitsresponsibilitiesinregardstoimplementingtheenvironment,healthandsafetysysteminalltheactivitiesandbusinessesthatimpactstheworkers,contractors,thelocalcommunity,andthesurroundingenvironment.
• Meeting the legal requirementsof theEmirateofAbuDhabi in regard to theEnvironment,HealthandSafetySystem.
Awareness Campaigns on the Strategic Plan
Anumberofawarenesscampaignshavebeenconducted internallywithin thesections,divisions,andsectorsofADFCA,inadditiontoleadershipcommunicationsessionsforthestafftocommunicatewiththeleadershipinAbuDhabiandAlAin.Theseprogramsresultedinhighlevelsofsatisfactionamongtheparticipants.Theyalsocontributedtoincreasedawarenessandcommitmentaboutthestrategicplanandbetterunderstandingabouttherolesinimplementingitonthepartofthestaffmembers.Thisisinadditiontoencouragingstaffparticipationinachievingthedesiredgoalsandresults.
Strategic and Operational Projects
ADFCArunsmorethan45projects,outofwhich14havebeencompletedintheyear2011.Thisaccomplishmentresultedfromthededicatedworkandcooperationbetweenthevarioussectorsanddivisions.Thefollowingareamongthoseprojects:
Project for digging and maintaining wells:
TheprojectfordiggingandmaintainingwellsisbeingcompletedinlinewiththeLawNo.60/2006fortheEmirateofAbuDhabi.Thisaimsatprotectinggroundwatersourcesthroughorganizingdiggingoperations,registeringdiggingcompaniesandconsultants,andturningavailabledataintoacentralizeddatabase.This initiative contributes directly to the sustainability of the agricultural sector. It helps farmers utilizewaterresourcesinanexemplarymannerthatservesstrategicagriculturalcropsthatsupportlocalfoodsecurity.Asper the restructuringof theexecutionplan for thediggingprojectsand thebeginningofexecution in theWestern Region, 1496 wells have been dug. This was in order to implement more efficient monitoring andcontrollingparameters.
Project for Strategic Fodder Reserves:
Thisproject aimsat settingup reservesand infrastructure for fodderdistributioncenters in linewith security,health,andsafetyparameters.ThepurposeistomeettheneedsoftheEmirateofAbuDhabiforstrategicfodderreservessufficientforthreemonths.Thesereservesaremeanttopreservehighqualityfodderforalltimesandtoimprovethefodderdistributionoperations.Theprojecthasaccomplishedthefollowing:
• Completionoftheproject intwosites(GhayathiandAlSila’). ItwillbecompletedinothersitesbyJune2012.
• Approvalhasbeengrantedtoanewsite(part)inNahil.Thescopeofoperationandoutsourcingarebeingdonein2012.
Project for Building Veterinary Hospitals and Clinics and Success So Far
Thisprojectaimsatdevelopingandrenovatingveterinaryhospitals,clinics,and laboratories tobringthemonparwithglobalcompetitivestandards.Thisinitiativewillcontributetothecreationofasoundandhealthyworkenvironmentforcustomersandstaff,theimprovementofthestandardsofservicesofferedinthesefacilities,andtheprovisionandactivationoftechnicalcommunicationservicesforthestaff.Thefollowingaretheaccomplishmentssofar:
• ThedevelopmentofabrandidentityfortheclinicsintunewithADFCA’s.
• Appraisalofthebuildingsofallthehospitalsandclinics.
• Thedevelopmentofastandardizeddesignforallveterinaryclinicsthatispredisposedtofutureexpansion
• ThePreparationofanexplanatorypresentationon thescopeofworkandthe recommendationsof theprojectteamregardingtheimplementation.
26 27www.ADFCA.ae
Research and Development Projects
ADFCAhasbeenconducting,sinceitsinception,developmentalresearchinfood,agriculture,andanimalwealthsectors,andemployinglatesttechnologies,inadditiontoanalyzingandmanagingstatisticaldata,whicharereliedonfortakingexecutiveandstrategicdecisions.Duringtheyear2011,ADFCAembarkedonanumberofresearchanddevelopmentprojects,including:
A Study on the Impact of Electronic Rays on the microbial and entomological content of dates:Thisstudytriestofixtheidealdosageofelectronicraysneededtodisinfectdatesaswellastoassesstheimpactoftheraysontheirmicrobialandentomologicalcontent.Inadditiontothese,thestudyalsoassessestheimpactoftheraysonthequalityofthedates.
Project for Developing Salinity-tolerant fodder:Thisprojectaimsatachievingself-relianceintheproductionoffodderforanimals.Besides,italsoassessestheproductionandnutritionalvalueofagroupofimprovedvarietiesoffoddercrops.ThesecropswillberecommendedassubstitutesforRhodesgrass.ThestudyalsoevaluatestheproductionandnutritionalvalueofagroupoflocalvarietiesthatgrownaturallyintheUAEundervaryinglevelsofsalinity.ThesewillbethencomparedtoRhodescrop.Besides,thestudyfocusesontheextentoftheagreeabilityanddigestionofthesefoddercropsamongthecattleandtheireffectontheirhealthandgrowth.
Preparation of Statistical Database:Thisprojectstrivestosetupadatabasethatcontainsalltheindicatorsfromeachoftheanimalwealth,agriculturalaffairs,andfoodsafetysectors.Itaimsatthefollowing:
1. Providingstatisticaldata,whichwillbepreparedasmonthly,seasonal,andannualreports.2. Complementing the indicatorsof theEmirateofAbuDhabipreparedby theCenter forStatistics–Abu
Dhabitowardsachievingthestrategicobjectiveoftheemiratefortheyear2030.3. Providingaclearframeworkforrunningstatisticalprojectsrelatedtosurveysandsamples.
Project for Surveying Commercial Farms:Theprojectaimedatgatheringdatathatclarifiedthestructuralchangesintheanimalsectorincommercialfarms(theorganizedanimalsector). Itsoughttoprovideaccurateandcomprehensivedataontheprincipal traitsofcommercialfarmsandtheirtechnicaldealingssuchasthecompositionandmovementofherds,ratesofbirthanddeath,andotherissues.
Project for Improving Inspections in Field Operations:Theprojectseekstofindthebestsolutionstoimproveinspectionsinfieldoperationsonthebasisofsamplesthatrepresenttheentirevarietyoffoodestablishments.Thesituationwasanalyzedandwaystoimproveinspectionoperationswereexploredthroughstatisticalassessmentoftheprojectresults.
28 29www.ADFCA.ae
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
40
44
60
83
99 100113
140
20
120
0
100
80
60
Number of Accredited Analyses during 2006 -2011
Food Safety
ADFCAisconcernedaboutthehealthandsafetyoftheconsumerandiseagertoensurehiswellbeingthroughrespondingproactivelytoglobaldevelopmentsandtoeverythingthatworriestheconsumer,includingrumors.Examplesaboundsuchas theanalysis formelamine inbabymilk toensure it is free fromcontamination.Theanalysis followeda story fromChina thatmelaminewasdetected inbabymilk.Analysis for fungal entophytetoxinsinfodderwasanotherexample.ThelaboratoriesoftheAuthorityareapprovedasauthoritativeattheleveloftheUAEforanalyzingmelamineinfoodsandentophytetoxinsinfodder.ThefoodlaboratorieshadintensifiedtheireffortstoconductradioactiveanalysisnecessaryonfoodsduringtheperiodinwhichradioactiveleaksinJapanwasreported.TheauthoritywasthefirstintheUAEatthattimetoconducttheanalysis.
As part of its efforts to provide the best services to the consumer in the field of food safety, ADFCA executed the following:1. ImplementingtheInformationManagementSysteminthelaboratories.
Thiswas toexpedite theservicesofferedandtoput themonline.With the implementationof this system,detailsofallthesamplesreachingtheAuthorityareonlinefromthemomenttheyreachtothetimetheresultsandreportsoftheanalysisobtain.Thesystemalsohelpstotrackthestagesofanalysis,therebyquickeningthepaceofissuingtheresults.Similarly,detailsaboutoldersamplesanalyzedcanberetrievedinnotime.Thissystemisinterlinkedonlinetothemobileonlineinspectionsystemandtheonlineinspectionsystematthebordercrossings.
2. AccreditationandEfficiencyMeasurementProgramADFCAlaboratorieshavebeengloballyaccreditedsince1999fromtheUnitedKingdomAccreditationService(UKAS). Since then, the laboratories division keptmodernizing and updating its analytical capacities andaccreditationstokeeppacewiththeworld’sleadinglaboratories.ThetableandtheillustrativegraphbelowshowtheincreaseinthenumberofaccreditedanalysisdoneatADFCA’slaboratoriesinAbuDhabiandAl-Ainduringthepastfewyearsfrom2006to2011.
ADFCA’s laboratoriesparticipate in internationalprogramstoascertainthequalityoftheresultsoftheiranalysisaswellastheiraccuracy,conferringthemcredibilityandconfidenceamongglobalorganizations.Theyare reckonedamong the authoritative referential laboratories with reliably accurateanalyticalresults.TheseprogramsputtheresultsofADFCA’slaboratoriesinAbu DhabiandAlAininrelationtointernationalbenchmarks.
AmongthemostimportantbenefitsoftheseprogramsisthattheyputtheAuthority’slaboratoriesontheglobalmapofleadinglaboratories,facilitatingtradeoperationsandeasingthemovementoffoodproductsfromandtotheemirateinlinewiththeinternationalcommitmentsandagreementswiththeWTOthattheUAEisasignatoryto.
During the year 2011, the graph of ADFCA’s laboratories showed a continuous rise in terms ofperformance,astheyparticipatedineightprogramsforefficiencyassessmentforfoodanalysis.Theyarethefollowing:
1- FAPAS: Food Analysis Performance Assessment SchemeThisprogramisamongthefrontrunnersinthisspheregloballysinceitsstartin1990.Itfollowsthe Central Laboratories for the Sciences in the UK. Around 1000 laboratories, mostly fromthedevelopedcountries - fromaround theworldparticipate in thisprogram.Thisprogramenjoysagoodreputationacrosstheworld.ADFCAlaboratorieshavebeenparticipatinginitsince1997anditsparticipationcoversmostofthechemicalanalysesandalltypesoffoodanalysis.
2- LEAP: Laboratory Environmental Analysis PerformanceThisisaprogramspecificallyforchemicalanalysisconductedonwaterandincludesalltheanionsandcationsandothercontaminantssuchasalltypesofpesticideresiduesandotherorganiccontaminants,inadditiontomicrobiologicalanalysisinwater.ADFCAhasbeenparticipatinginthisprogramsince2003.
3- HPA: Health Protection AgencyThisprogramisheldbytheBritishHealthProtectionAgency,agovernmentreferentialauthorityinthefieldofmicroorganisms.Thisisaspecialprogramthatassessestheperformanceoflaboratoriesinmicrobiologicalanalysisforfoods.ADFCA’sMicroscopicOrganismsLaboratoryhasbeenparticipatinginthissince1996.
4- FEPAS: Food Examination Performance Assessment SchemeThis program specializes in biological analysis of foods. ADFCA laboratories frombothAbuDhabi andAl-Ainhaveparticipatedinthissince2007.ThisprogramisoverseenbytheBritishCentralLaboratoriesfortheSciences.
5- LGG: Laboratory of Government Chemist (British)Aprogramforchemicalanalyses,ADFCAhasbeenparticipatinginthisfrom2010onwardsinordertofulfilltherequirementsforaccreditationforsomeanalysesonmilkproducts.
6- NPL: National Physical Laboratory (British)Aspecialprogramforradioactiveanalysis,ADFCAhasparticipatedinitsince2010tofulfilltherequirementsforaccreditationforsomeradioactivetests.
7- MAPEP: Department of Energy Mixed Analyze Performance Evaluation ProgramIt is an accredited program for measuring efficiency in analyzing irradiated materials in food under thesupervisionofRadiationandEnvironmentSciencesLaboratory(RESL)oftheUSDepartmentofEnergy.ADFCAhasbegunparticipationinthisprogramsince2011.
8- BIPEA: Proficiency Testing Scheme (French)Thisprogramisapreeminentonesinceitsinceptionin1970intheareasoffoodandenvironment.Around1150laboratoriesfrom60countriestakepartinit.Sincethebeginningof2011,ADFCAhastakenpartinitinthreeroundsintheanalysisofpesticideresiduesinhoney.Theresultswereexcellent,readingupto100%.
30 31www.ADFCA.ae
200
541
397
694
628
717
708
389
283
498
457
297
422
259
188 235
318 364
466
352
208
213 279
168
221
700
800
100
600
0
500
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
400
300
Distribution of samples over the months in 2011
Al AinAbu Dhabi Sampled received at ADFCA laboratories
Results of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain laboratories in 2011 in efficiency assessment programs:
The year 2011 Abu Dhabi Al Ain Acceptable global average
Accuracyofresults% 86 82 70
Totalnumberofanalyses 160 149
Final test results Number of samplesAbu Dhabi
Number of samplesAl Ain
Samplescompliantwithacceptedspecification 5332 2443
Samplesnotcompliant 699 501
Description Abu Dhabi Al Ain Western Region Grand total
Numberofestablishments 6,497 4,660 975 12,132
Routinevisits 75,068 49,002 1,172 1,25,242
Compliantestablishments 40,567 41,999 5,708 88,274
Warnings 16,454 2,777 203 19,434
Violations 808 305 5 1,118
Closure 7 0 18 25
Trainees 48,891 16,515 230 65,636
Monitoring and Inspection Missions
TheinspectorsofADFCAmadeseveralroundsofinspectionvisitstoensurecompliancewiththelegislationsandlawsoffoodsafetybyfoodestablishments,foodshipments,andmanufacturingunits.
1. Food establishmentsThetablebelowshowssomeoftheoperationsandproceduresconductedbytheinspectorsintheEmirateofAbuDhabi(AbuDhabicity,Al-AincityandtheWesternRegion)duringtheyear2011.
32 33www.ADFCA.ae
2. Border CrossingsOneofthemaintasksoftheAuthorityistomaintainastronginspectionregimeontheshipmentsattheborder crossings and to issue export licenses. Thebordercrossings intheEmirateofAbuDhabihavereceivedintheyear2011atotalof1195980tonsoffood materials. These included vegetables, fruits,fish,milk products, frozen, dry, canned and refrig-erated food products,mineral water, drinks,meat,poultry, and other foods. AbuDhabi has 8 borderpointsandtheyare:
1. AlGhuwaifat
2. KhatmAlShakla
3. Mazyad
4. SaihShuaib
5. AbuDhabiInternationalAirport
6. AlAinInternationalAirport
7. Zayedseaport
8. FreePort
837402.1
AlG
huwaifat
KhatmAlSha
kla
Mazyad
SaihShu
aib
AbuDha
biInterna
tiona
lAirp
ort
AlA
inIn
ternationa
lAirp
ort
Zayedseaport
Free
Port
1346.14
18684.45
237446.38
51335.63
34061.66
20.1
15683.78
20000
70000
80000
90000
10000
60000
0
50000
40000
30000
Food Imported through the border crossings
ThechartbelowshowsthenumberoffoodsbeingimportedorpassingthroughtheborderpointsinAbuDhabiandAl-Ain:
Animal Wealth
ADFCAiskeenonprotectingthehealthofanimalsthroughprovidingthebestmeansofpreventionandtreatment,inadditiontoimpartingawarenessandprovidingextensionservicestoanimalbreedersandthecommunityonthebestmethodsof takingcareofanimalhealth.ADFCAhasundertakenseveralactivitiesinthisregard:
1. Prevention programThe prevention program consists of two principal activities: Fighting external parasites throughspraying,andvaccinationagainstepidemicaldiseases.
a. Fighting external parasites (spraying):Two spraying campaigns (the first inApril –May and the second in September –October)werelaunchedasapreventiveprogramtoeradicateexternalparasites (scabiesandtick).Environment-friendlyinsecticideswereusedinthecampaignwhichtargeted3837farms.
b. Vaccination:In pursuit of the Authority’s strategic priorities in regard to achieving bio-security through guaranteeing thehealthofanimalsandplantsandincontinuationwiththepracticeofannualcampaignsforvaccinationthatbe-ganin2009toeradicateepidemicdiseases,thesecondvaccinationcampaignthatstartedintheendof2010wascompletedbythefirstquarterof2011.Inthethirdquarterof2011,thethirdcampaignforvaccinationwaskickedoffasexplainedinthetablebelow.Themainoutcomesofthecampaignsareasfollows:
• Eradicationofthepathologicalfociforthediseasescoveredinthevaccination,whichcomprisedareduc-tion in thenumberofaffectedanimals in theemirateaftervaccinatingmore than80%of the targetedanimals.
• Settingupanaccuratedatabaseofthelocationoffarms.
• Improvementinveterinaryservicesthroughadoptingthemethodsofpreventivemedicinefirstandoffer-ingthebestmedicaltreatmentwhendiseaseserupt.
• Reductionintheuseofveterinarymedicinesand,asaresult,dropinthenumberofdeathsandinthesideeffectsofthemedicinesandtheirresiduesonthehealthoftheanimals.
• IncreasedawarenessandconfidenceamongthebreedersabouttheveterinaryservicesofferedbyADFCAandabouttheimportanceandbenefitsofvaccination.
34 35www.ADFCA.ae
Vaccination Targeted animals First dose Second dose Total
Alkaft Sheep September2011 March2012 6,497
Foot and Mouth Cows,sheepandgoats October2011 March2012 75,068
PPR Sheepandgoats October2011 None 40,567
Sheepandgoatpox Sheepandgoats November2011 None 16,454
Type of Animal Total number enumerated by the end of 2011 (in millions)
Camels 0.275
Sheepandgoats 2.04
Cows 0.04
Total 2.355
The third vaccination campaign against diseases affecting animal wealth (2011 – 2012)
Number of animals vaccinated against specific diseases affecting cattle during the comprehensive annual campaign 2011
Disease Al Kaft Foot and Mouth
PPR Pox Total
First doseSeptember 2011Second doseMarch 2012
First doseOctober 2011Second doseMarch 2012
October 2011 December2011
Abu Dhabi 193,529 446,781 231,705 223,215 1,095,230
WesternRegion 190,502 482,260 244,381 244,067 1,161,210
Al Ain 614,756 1,326,849 638,211 626,205 3,206,021
Total 491,142 1,125,098 1,114,297 1,093,487 5,462,461
2. Diagnostic and Remedial Services
1. Treatment UnitADFCAiskeenonprovidingfreetreatmentinall itsformsforinternalcontagiousandprevalentdiseasesforalltypesoffarmanimals in itsclinicsorfacilities(farms).Thisisinadditiontoofferingvariousmoderndiagnostic tools. The number of veterinary staff inthe treatment units and the laboratories has been increasedtomeettherisingneeds.Theunitalsotakespreventivemeasurestopreemptcertaincontagiousinternaldiseasesandillnessesarisingoutofdeficiencyinvitaminsormineralssuchasthedeficiencyofcopperingoatsandsheep.Thisalsoincludespreventionfromscabiesandgastro-intestinalparasitesbesidestrypanosomiasisthataffectsthecamels.
2. Laboratory analysesADFCA has three main laboratories spread over the various veterinaryhospitalsinAbuDhabi,AlAin,andtheWesternRegionandtheaffiliatedclinicsandanumberofspecialistsworkinthem.Theselaboratoriestrytoaccuratelydiagnosethediseasesinascientificmanner.During2011,morethan700,000testsandanalysesweredone in these laboratories.Thededicatedwork intheselaboratoriesresultedinobtainingISO17025fromtheUKASinthelastquarterof2011.Thefollowingtestsinthelaboratorieshavebeenaccredited.
• DeterminationofAflatoxinsinAlfaAlfa• AntimicrobialsusceptibilitytestingbyDiscDiffusionMethod• IsolationofSalmonellaspp.Fromanimaltissues
3. Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer:Theyear2011sawthecommissioningoftheDepartmentofArtificialInseminationandEmbryoTransfer.Throughthisdepartment,ADFCAtriestotreatinfertilityamongfarmanimals(camels,cows,sheep,andgoats)inassociationwiththeAuthority’sveterinaryhospitalsandclinics.Morethan3000caseshavebeentreated,inadditiontoearlydetectionofpregnancyandtheuseofembryotransfertechnologyoncamelsfortheretaininghereditarytraits.
4. Numbering and Registration of Animals:ADFCAiseagertosetupadatabaseforanimalwealthintheemiratewiththeintentiontoimprovefoodsafetythrough trackingoperationsand tohelp indevelopinganimalhealth supportandplans forfightingdiseases,besidesextendinghelpinimprovingtheproductionandsafetyofanimals.Bytheendof2011,thetotalnumberofanimalsenumeratedreachedmorethan2.3millionacrosstheemirate.Thefollowingtableshowsthetotalnumberofanimalsenumeratedin2011.
36 37www.ADFCA.ae
ViolationsNumber of visitsRegion
1051109Al Ain
216932Abu Dhabi
1572659WesternRegion
4784700Total
Region Number of benefitting farms
Al Ain 3300
Abu Dhabi 3460
WesternRegion 428
Total 7188
Agricultural Affairs
ADFCA is committed to building a sustainable agriculture sector that preserves the nature and strengthensfood security in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In this context, the Authority has made a number of significantaccomplishmentsduringtheyear2011,whichcontributedtobettersustainability.Theyareasfollows:
Affairs of the farmers and breeders of animal wealthInordertoimplementAbuDhabiGovernment’svisionofsupportinganimalwealthandinpursuitoflesseningthefinancialandotherburdensofthebreedersthroughofferingthemfodderattokenpricesandtherebyhelpingin the preservation of this dynamic sector across the emirate, ADFCA executed the fodder support programthroughouttheemirate(AbuDhabi,AlAinandWesternRegion).TheAuthorityoversawthefodderdistributionoperationsonallentitledfarmersaspertheanimalstatisticscardthroughthe14main foddercentersspreadacrosstheemirate.Thiswasdoneinanexpeditiousmannerthatensureseasyaccessonamonthlybasis.
Program for improving farmers’ income 2011TheprogramforimprovingtheincomeofthefarmerswasimplementedinAbuDhabiandthefirstsegmentinAl-AinonacompulsorybasiswhilethesamewasimplementedonthesecondsegmentinAl-Ainonanoptionalbasis, starting from1/8/2011.Thefilesofall farmswerescrutinized inorder toensure theirconformity to thenewregulations.InOctober2011,allthefarmersinAbuDhabihavebeenincorporatedintothefarmers’supportprogram.Itisexpectedthatthenumberoffarmsentitledforsupportwill increaseandwill includefarmsinAlWarthaandAlZaujaat.Thedocumentsfortherestofthefarmsarebeingupdated.Inthesameframework,theAuthorityhasscrutinizedthefarmsinAbuDhabiandtheWesternRegionwhichareincluded in the farmers’ income improvementprogram.This is tocheck theextent towhich the farmownersimplementtheconditionsandrulesstipulatedintheSystemNo.7of2010onincomeimprovementprogramforfarmers.ThiswasdrawnuponthebasisofselectsamplesinAbuDhabi.TheprogramincludedfarmsintheAlKhatmregionandAlRahba,andthetotalnumberoffarmstherebenefitingfromtheprogramreached2150.ThenumberoffarmsbenefitingfromtheprogramintheWesternRegionreached4020.
Agricultural InspectionTheinspectionteamsconductedtheiroperationsinfarmsinvariousregionscoveringAbuDhabi,Al-Ain,andtheWesternRegion.ThiswasaimedtoensurethatthefarmsadheretothepoliciesandlegislationsoftheAuthorityandconformtotherequirementsforfinancialassistance.
Collective Irrigation Stations:WorkonmaintainingcollectiveirrigationstationshasbeenongoinginAbuDhabi,Al-Ain,andtheWesternRegiontoguaranteethatallfarmshaveaccesstosufficientirrigationwater.Pumpingwaterintofarmscontinuedandthetotalnumberoffarmsthatbenefitedfromthisservicereached7188.Theyareasfollows:
38 39www.ADFCA.ae
THE AWARENESS SIDE
40 41www.ADFCA.ae
Awareness Programs
Theimportanceofawarenessinthelocalcommunityisincreasing,andADFCAisintensifyingitseffortstoexecuteawareness programs that aim to educate member ofthe community, especially children and students. Thechildren and the students are in greater need of foodsafety awareness.Taking into account other segmentsofthecommunitysuchasfarmers,animalbreeders,andhousewivesandinviewoftheimportanceofADFCA’sroleindisseminatingawareness,ahostofactivitiesandprogramswereconductedinregardstofood,plants,andanimals.TheAwarenessSectioninADFCAorganized35awarenessactivitiesduringthewholeyear,outofwhich23 focusedon food,4onagriculture,and8onanimalwealth.Someoftheseactivitiesare:
- ADFCAparticipatedinaspecialprogramforthestudentsoftheSpecialNeedsCentreofAl-AininassociationwithAl-AinMunicipality.Duringtheprogram,ADFCApresentedanillustratededucativeprogramon“GuidanceonCorrectFoodHabits,”whichelucidatedcorrectshoppingmethodsandthefourstepsessentialforfoodsafety(Wash,Separate,Cook,Refrigerate).Theprogramalsodetailedonthebestmethodsofstoringandcirculatingfood.
- AttheSummerCentre,ADFCAparticipatedundertheslogan(Oursummer isspecial)withanumberofdiverseactivitiesaimedatcultivatingcorrectfoodcultureamongthestudents.Theprogramalsoincludedfieldvisitstocentralmarketsandfoodoutlets.
- ADFCAheldanumberoflectureprogramstargetingschoolanduniversitystudentsforawarenesscreation.ADFCAvisitedseveraleducationalinstitutionswithaviewtopresentaseriesofdiverseawarenessactivitiesandprogramsaroundfoodsafety,animalhealth,andagriculture.Workshopsandexhibitionswerealsoheldtospreadawarenessaboutfoodsafety,animalwealth,andwaterpreservation.
- AspartofSIALMiddleEastandEmiratesInternationalDataPalmFestival,ADFCAheldacolorfulprogramcomprisingawarenesscontestsforstudentsandvisitors,skits,andotheractivities.
ADFCA has also developed a number of awareness campaigns targeting all segments of the community. Among them:
Preparatory Campaign for Agriculture:Ageneralawarenesscampaignportrayingthelargerpictureofthenewagriculturalstrategy,itbroughtthestaffoftheAgriculturalSectortodelveintotheAuthority’sstrategyandexplainitsmessagestothepublic.Targetedsegments:theGeneralpublicandstakeholders(farmsowners,workers,theGovernmentofAbuDhabi,andtheconsumers).Objectives:TheadcampaignaimstohighlighttheprincipalstrategicroleofADFCAandtofocusonitseffortsinfoodsafety,sustainabledevelopmentstrategyforagriculture,theneedoftheagriculturesectorforcommunicationefforts, and the changes in the agricultural strategy for bringing about a social economic and environmentalbalance.
Campaign for improving farmers’ incomeThecampaignwasmeanttoexplainthedetailsoftheregulationthatHHSheikhMansourbinZayedAlNahyanissuedwithaviewtosupportthefarmers.Theregulationpointedoutthatfinancialassistancewouldbegiventofarmersadheringtotherulesandregulations,suchasstoppingthecultivationofRhodesgrass,membershipintheFarmers’ServicesCentreandacontractwiththeCentrefordatesservicesandacommitmenttonotuseagriculturallandforrentingorothercommercialpurposes.Objectives: Concentratingeffortsonpreservingwaterandcultivatinglesswaterintensivecrops.
Animal wealth campaigns
Asetofthreecampaigns,thesecomprisedoneondevelopment,care,preventionandanotheronproliferating
goodhereditarybreedsandathirdonAnimalWasteManagement.
Targetedsegments:Animalbreeders,farmownersandworkers.
Objectives: Increasing awareness among animal farm owners about the importance of sound practices in
breedinganimalsandincreasingproductivityaswellasdisposingofanimalwasteinahealthywaythatdoesnot
harmpeopleortheenvironment.
Campaign on intelligent shopping
Thisaimedatcreatingawarenessamongconsumersabouttheessentialrequirementsinshoppingforfooditems.
Targetedsegment:Thegeneralpublic
Objectives: IncreasingawarenessabouttheroleofADFCAinguaranteeingfoodsafetywhilealso introducing
goodfoodpractices.
Campaign on “the safety of your food is in your hands.”
This campaign aimed at prodding people to rethink the way they deal with food, be it its preparation or
preservation.Itaimedatbehaviorchangeamongpeopleinthewaytheydealwithfoodsothattheypreemptthe
threatofdiseasesthatensueasaresultofbadfoodpractices.
Targetedsegment:Thegeneralpublic
Objectives: IncreasingawarenessabouttheroleofADFCAinguaranteeingfoodsafetywhilealso introducing
goodfoodpractices.
Spraying and Vaccination Campaigns
Thecampaign’saimwastopreventdiseasesinanimalsanderadicateexternalparasitesthataffectthem,thereby
supporting the preservation of animalwealth and increase in animal production. It also aimed at increasing
immunityandreducingtheneedforveterinarymedicines.
Targetedsegment:Animalbreedersandanimalfarmowners
Objectives: AchievingsustainabledevelopmentfortheanimalwealthsectorintheEmirateofAbudhabi.
Campaign for Identification and Enumeration
The campaign tried to improveanimalhealth andpublichealth and to strengthen theeconomicdimensions
(effective inspections, issuance of health certificates, travel documents for animals), in addition to improving
productionanddiversityofanimalsforbetterfoodsecurityintheemirate.
Targetedsegment:Animalbreedersandfarmowners
Objectives:Controlofthespreadofdiseasesandepidemicsinanimals,theirmonitoring,andearlydetectionand
quickresponse,implementationofintegrationvaccinationprograms,controloffoodsafety-relatedaccidents.
Campaign on separation, freezing, cleaning and cooking
Thiswasanawarenessinitiativeaimedatprotectingthehealthandinterestsoftheconsumersandretainingtheir
trustsinthefoodmonitoringsystem.
Targetedsegment:Thegeneralpublicandworkerspreparingfoods
Objectives: Thiscampaignaimedatproddingpeopletorethinkthewaytheydealwithfood,beititspreparation
orpreservation.Itaimedatbehaviorchangeamongpeopleinthewaytheydealwithfoodsothattheypreempt
thethreatofdiseasesthatensueasaresultofbadfoodpractices.
42 43www.ADFCA.ae
Exhibitions and Festivals:
- ADFCAorganizedthesecondSIALMiddleEastExhibitionin2011atAbuDhabiNationalConventionCentre.Theexhibitionsawhugeturnoutofvisitors,extensivemediacoverageandsignificantpresenceofagoodnumberofexhibitorsandparticipants.
- Alongside SIAL Middle East, ADFCA also organized the second edition in Abu Dhabi of the EmiratesInternationalDatePalmFestival.
- ADFCA tookpart inmany festivalsandevents, includingLiwaDateFestival, SweihanCamelFestival,AlWathbaCamel Festival,AlDhafraCamel Festival, andGhayathiCamel Festival.ADFCA’sparticipation intheseeventsconsistedofawarenessandextensionservicesaswellasveterinaryandtechnicalcare.
THE CORPORATE SIDE
44 45www.ADFCA.ae
Details of the number of transactions with the customers accomplished in 2011
Abu Dhabi City Al Ain City Western Region- Tamm Centre
Main C
entre
AbuD
habiM
unicipality
Ab
u Dhab
i Cham
ber
Musaff
ahMunicip
ality
AlW
athbaM
unicipality
Main C
entre
AlA
inMunicip
ality
AlH
airMunicip
ality
MazyadM
unicipality
AlQ
uaMunicip
ality
AlM
arfa’
BadyZayed
Liwa
Ghayathi
AlSila’
Total 14240 10108 2183 26531
Building Human Capacities
ADFCAhasmadegiantstridestowardsEmiratizationintheyear,strengtheningthepercentageofnationalsintheworkforcetoreach70%.Itmarksanincreaseofover14%fromthepreviousyearwhenitwas56%.Outofthis70%,46%aremenandtherestarewomen.
Inordertoproducenationalcandidateswhofulfillthescientificandtechnicalrequirementsofspecializedjobs,twoprogramsweredevelopedinassociationwiththeHigherCollegesofTechnologyandAbuDhabiEducationCouncil:AfoodsafetyprograminassociationwithHigherCollegesofTechnologyintheWesternRegioninviewoftheAuthority’sneedfornationalworkforceinfoodinspections.ThegraduatesfromthiscoursewillearnafoodsafetydiplomawhilethegraduatesfromtheveterinaryprograminHigherCollegesofTechnologyinAl-Ainwillearnaveterinarydiploma.
As for developing the capacities of the staff inADFCA, andwith thehelpof theDepartment ofTraining andDevelopment,theAuthority,stryingtoidentifythetrainingneedsoftheemployeesusingtheannualevaluationsystem.ADFCA,inassociationwiththeCentreforExcellenceLeadershipProgram,isofferingtrainingtospecialgradeandgrade1&2employees.Participationinthisprogramhasreached89.7%.Asuggestionhasbeenmadeforatrainingcoursethatwillconfertheemployeesthestatusofjudicialofficers.
ADFCAlaysdownasystemtodevelopfreshgraduatesthroughofferingthemtrainingandexposureindifferentdivisions.TheAuthority tries to attract nationals to positions in sectors and divisions such as AnimalWealth,Development,Policy,FoodSafety,VeterinarySector,andAgriculture.
ADFCAisalsoofferingtrainingprogramsforstudentsinthelastyearoftheircoursesinthecollegesanduniversitiesin the country. The Authority, likewise, offers prizes and incentives for excellent performance in addition tocompetitiveofferstointerestedcandidates.
Customer ServiceManystepshavebeentakento increasethesatisfactionofthecustomersaboutthewayADFCAtriestomeettheirneedsandexpectations.Thisisthroughofferinghighqualityservices.Thetablebelowshowsthenumberofaccomplishedtasksatthecustomerservicecentersin2011.
Community Service Program ‘Auwn’
‘Auwn’programisanimportantcommunityserviceinitiativeinintheEmirateofAbuDhabi.Ittargetswideanddiversesectionsofthecommunitythatneedcare,charitablehelp,andhumanesupport.
Throughtheactivitiesof‘Auwn’,ADFCAhassetanexampleandstressedtheimportanceofvoluntaryworkforstrengtheningthesocialaspectacrossthecommunity.Theactivitieshavebecomediverse,andinthepastyear,Auwnreachedouttostudents,specialneedspeople,smokersandothers.Theprogramhasmanyaccomplishmentstoitscreditin2011andsomeofthemarelistedbelow:
1. SponsorshipfortheChallenge2ChampionshipbyCentreforCapacityBuildingforSpecialNeeds.
2. SponsorshipforAlDhafraSportsClubactivities.
3. ExhibitiontomarkettheproductsmadebythewardsofZayedHigherOrganizationforHumanitarianCareandSpecialNeedsPeople.
4. Sponsorshipforthefirstinternationalconferenceforthedisabled.
5. Participationinthewalkprogramforcancer-affectedchildreninAl-AininassociationwiththeRedCrescentSociety.
6. Organizinganexhibitiontopromoteartifactsmanufactured
Events and ParticipationADFCAiskeenonparticipationinmanyactivitiesandeventsaimedattheexchangeofpracticalandscientificexpertisewithaviewtoimprovethefoodsafetysituation,animalwealth,andagriculturalsustainability.
BelowaresomeoftheeventsandactivitiesthatADFCAtookpartinduringtheyear2011:
Events and International Conferences
1. Participation in the sixth International Conference for Food Safety
ADFCAtookpartinthisconferenceinDubaiinMarch2011withapaperon“ThePresentandFutureofFoodLabelLegislation intheEmirateofAbuDhabi.”ADFCA’srepresentativereviewed inthepapertherulesandlegalrequirementsthatADFCAlaiddownformanufacturersandproducersanddistributorsonhowtoclearlydisplay information on food labels for the consumers.The presentation also pointed out that ADFCAwasworkingonfoodandagricultural legislationstogoverntheentirefoodchaininordertoorganizeandhelpthefoodmanufacturingindustrytofollowtherightmethodsforensuringthesafetyoftheirproducts. ThelegislationsconformtotherequirementsofthetechnicalregulationsoftheUAEandtheGCContheonehandandtotheglobalspecificationsontheother.
46 47www.ADFCA.ae
2. Participation in the second International Conference/ SIAL Middle East 2011
ThePolicyandRegulationSectorpresentedapaperin the events of the SIAL on“Legislations on FoodLabels and Health Claims.” The paper reviewedthe process of legislation at ADFCA in line withinternationalbestpractices. Italsopointedout thatADFCAhad issued legislationon food labels,whichserved as apracticeguide for thegeneral requirementsofpreparing foodlabels.AnotherlegislationistofollowonnutritionalandhealthclaimsintheEmirateofAbuDhabi.AddedtothisistheintimationtotheparticipantsthatADFCAcommunicateswithitsstrategicpartnersinthecountrythroughthecommitteesandjointworkinggroupswithaviewtocooperateandcoordinateinregulatinghealthclaimsonfoodsinordertoprotecttheconsumersfrominformationthatmaymisleadorposeathreattotheirhealth.
Regional and International Cooperation
ADFCAoffersregionalandinternationalcooperationinmanyareas.Itisnecessaryto strengthen strategic partnerships. In this regard, the Policy andRegulationSectortookthefollowingactions:
• International Food Safety Agencies Network (INFOSAN): ADFCA’s views on the information that needstobeputonthewebsiteoftheorganizationpertainingtothemembersofINFOSAN.Thewarningsandnotificationsonfoodaccidentsaretobecommunicatedonthebasisofthisinformation.
• InternationalFederationofOrganicAgricultureMovements(IFOAM):Ameetingwasheldwiththedeputydirectorgeneral of IFOAM inDubai.Thepurposewas to explore thepossibilityof takingadvantageofIFOAMindevelopinglegislationsandregulationsonagricultureandorganicproductsinthefuture.
GCC Cooperation• Meetingof theGCCFoodSafetyCommittee:ADFCArepresentative tookpart inall themeetingsof the
committeein2011
• WorkshoponEarlyWarningSystemonfoodsfortheGCCcountries:ADFCAtookpartintheworkshopinassociationwiththeSaudiFoodandDrugAuthority
• CommonGuideonimportedfoodsfortheGCC:ADFCAtookpartandrespondedtoqueriesfromsomeoftheWTOmembercountriesonthedraftCommonGCCGuideonimportedfoods.
Federal and Local CooperationIntheframeworkofsustainedcooperationwithpartners,ADFCAtriedtocoordinatewithrelevantauthoritiesasfollowsforpurposesofachievinggreatercommongood:
Ministry of Environment and Water
• ADFCA reviewed the draft Federal Food Law and suggested necessary amendments in line with thescientificprinciplesoutlinedbyinternationalorganizationsinthisregard.TheviewshavebeensenttotheministryviathelegaldepartmentoftheExecutiveCouncil.
• ADFCAshareditsviewsandobservationsaboutamendingtheLawofVeterinaryQuarantineandtheLawofAgriculturalQuarantine,besidesthefederallawontheprotectionanddevelopmentoftheenvironment.
• ADFCAwaspartofafederalteamdrawnfromtheNationalFoodSafetyCommitteepreparingaguidefor
banningfoodproductsandliftingtheban.
• ADFCAcoordinatedwithofficialsattheMinistryofEnvironmentandWatertosetupacustomerservicecentreattheGhuwaifatbordercrossinginpartnershipwiththeDepartmentofCustoms.
Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology
• ADFCAparticipated,aspartofanationalworkinggroup,inpreparingatechnicalregulationforregisteringandapprovingenergydrinksintheUAE.
• The Policy and Regulation Sector provided the necessary information for the National Food ControlRegulationandFoodSafetyStrategies implemented federally forpurposesoffillingupaquestionnairethatcamefromCodex.
• ADFCAtookpart,alongwithEmiratesAuthorityforStandardizationandMetrology,inimplementingthenationalsystemforconformityforfoodproductsandtheUAEqualityemblem.
Ministry of Health
• Aspartofanationalworkingteam,ADFCAtookpartinthepreparationandreviewofadraftdecreeoftheCouncilofMinistersonSchoolCanteensandthefoodbeingservedinthem.Thedecreeisnowawaitingapproval.
• ADFCA took part in ameeting of the higher committee for assessing compounds drawn from naturalsourcesandthoseonpublicsale.ThecommitteewasheadedbythejointundersecretaryoftheMinistryofHealthformedicalpracticesandlicenses.Itincludedrepresentativesfrommunicipalitiesandotherhealthauthoritieswhicharemembersofthevariouscommitteesthatbranchedoutofthehighercommittee.
• ThesectorconveyeditsviewsonadraftdecreefromtheCouncilofMinistersonprotectingbreastfeedingandregulatingthemarketingofalternativestomother’smilk.
• ADFCAhasgivenitsviewsonadraftsupplementarydecreeontheexecutiveregulationforthefederallawNo.15of2009inregardtofightingtobacco.Thedecreecomprisedrulesgoverningthesaleoftobaccoandtobaccoproductsincafesandsimilaroutlets.
Executive Affairs Authority
Representatives of ADFCA attended a number of meetings held with the Executive Affairs Authority tocoordinateonthereviewandfollowupofrelevantlocalandfederaldraftlegislations.
Department of Municipal Affairs
• ADFCAperusedandgaveitsopiniononareportontheprojecttodeveloplegislativetoolsformunicipalities.ThiswaspreparedbytheDepartmentofMunicipalAffairswiththehelpofaconsultingcompany.TheopinionofADFCAstressedtheneedforidentifyingtheorientation,thetechnicalcriteriaandthenecessarylegislationsessential forthemunicipalitiestodealwithdifferentsubjects inaprincipledmanner.Thiswasforthepurposeoflayingdownlegislationsthatareinlinewiththeneedsonthegroundandeasiertoimplement.
• ADFCAconveyeditsviewsonsomedraft legislationsthattheDepartmentofMunicipalAffairs inAbuDhabihadprepared.Themostimportantofthesewerethedraftdecreetoregulatetheuseof
agriculturallandsintheEmirateofAbuDhabiandthedraftprojectforasystemtoallocatelandanditsrentingforcommercialandsocialactivities.TheviewsofADFCAwerediscussedinameetingattendedbydifferentgovernmententities.• ADFCAtookpartinameetingwiththeDepartmentofMunicipalAffairs,theAlAinMunicipalityandtheWesternRegionMunicipality.Thiswasfordiscussingthemechanismforjointworkondocumentingrentalcontractsforfarmownersintheemirate.ItwasalsomeanttodiscussthestudyontheimpactofthelawNo.1of2011withregardtoregulatingtheoccupancyofresidentialunitsandtakingadvantageofpropertiesallocatedforthenationalsintheEmirateofAbuDhabi.
48 49www.ADFCA.ae
AlsodiscussedwasthedecreeissuedbyHHtheCrownPrinceonpermissiontorentpublicaccommodations(decree15/2011).
• ADFCAparticipatedincoordinationmeetingswiththeDepartmentofMunicipalAffairsinAbuDhabi.Thesemeetingwereheldinordertodeliberateonmutuallyrelevantissues,especiallyabouthowtoregulatethosetradingactivitiessubjecttoveterinarymonitoringandhowtomaintainpublichygieneinareassurroundingfoodoutlets.
Dubai Municipality
• ADFCAcooperatedwithDubaiMunicipalityinlayingdownthedirectivestocoordinateonauniformGCCfood law.Theopinionsthatemergedfromthiscooperationwerediscussed in themeetingsof theGCCCommitteeonfoodsafety.
• PutinplaceuniformviewsinresponsetoqueriesfromsomeoftheWTOmembercountries(TheUSandCanada)onuniformGCCguideonimportedfood.
Office of Regulation and Control
• ADFCAjoinedhandswiththeOfficeofRegulationandControlinpreparingapracticeguideonsewagewaterfromlowriskestablishments(restaurants,cafeterias,fastfoodjointsandlaundries).
• ADFCAjoinedhandswiththeOfficeofRegulationandControl inholdingaworkshoponthequalityofwateranditslinkstopublichealth.Italsodiscussedthewaysofexaminingandmeasuringthetotalamountofsolidmaterialsthataresolubleinwater.
Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture
• Workingonstandardizingnamesandtypesofactivitiesinfoodestablishmentsinthehotelsector.
Khalifa Fund for Project Development
• Cooperation with Khalifa Fund is ongoing inregard to theprojectconcerningkitchenmaids.In this connection, the role of ADFCA ismerelythatofprovidingadvices,guidanceandtraininganditdoesnotinterveneinthefundingaspectasthefundisthesolefundingsource.
Abu Dhabi Chamber
• A joint meeting with Abu Dhabi Chamber was held in order to putin place a mechanism to communicate with the private sector in itsfunctionaldiversitywithinthefoodchainaswellasthoseregisteredwiththe chamber.Thiswas for ADFCA to take advantage of the chamber’sdatabase with permission so that it could rearrange the informationinto typicalgroupsasper the tradeactivities.Byextension, thiswouldfacilitateADFCAtocommunicatewiththesegroupsondifferentsubjectssuchasconsultingtheirviewpointsonlegislationsunderpreparation.
• ADFCAparticipatedinanumberofmeetingswithAbuDhabiChamberthrough the Abu Dhabi Business Women’s Council. This was aimedat facilitating and strengthening joint cooperation, especially on the‘CreativeWoman’ program and the hurdles facing business women inventuring into food-related activities. ADFCA would provide technicalsupportinlightofthelatestlegislationsissuedfromtheAuthority.
Abu Dhabi Council For Quality and Conformity:
• Ameetingwasheldwiththeminregardtolocalresponsibilitiesandlegislationscocerningtheimplementationofthe‘grocery’project.
Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi:
• Workonstandardizationofnamesandactivitiesoffoodandfarmingestablishments
• Workonpreparingtherequirementsof theAbuDhabiBusinessCentre.This is incoordinationbetweenallsectorsofADFCAandtheDepartmentofEconomicDevelopmentthroughprovidingtheconditionsfortheactivitiesandtheirfeesinadditiontoamechanismforcollectingfees.
Health Authority, Abu Dhabi
• ThedifferentphasesofonlinelinkagebetweenADFCAandHealthAuthorityhavebeencompleted.Thisistoobservethespreadoffood-bornediseases.Ajointprotocolhasbeendrawnupanditcontainsallthedetailsoftheonlinelinkageandtheprocedurestooperationalizeit.Besides,italsocomprisesthestandardtechnicalwork procedures to follow up on food poisoning and food-borne diseases on both sides.The protocol iscurrentlyawaitingapprovalfromthejointhighercommittee.
• ADFCApreparedaguide forschoolcanteens incooperationwiththeHealthAuthorityandtheAbuDhabiEducationCouncilfortheeducationalyear2011-2012.
• ParticipationinapressconferenceheldbytheHealthAuthorityunderthetitle“AbuDhabisaysNotosmoking”.Thisalsosawtheparticipationofvariousotherrelevantgovernmententitieswithaviewtolimitthespreadoftobaccointheemirate.ThepurposewastoshedlightonthecurrentlegislationsandtostrengthentheroleofADFCAinimplementingtheTobaccoLaw.
• CooperationwiththeHealthAuthorityonthespreadofE-coliinfreshvegetablesinsomeEuropeancountries.AjointmeetingwasheldtolaydowntheproceduresandcontrolsystemstomonitorvegetablesimportedfromtheaffectedEuropeancountries.Themeetingalsodiscussedthewaystodealwiththemediaonthissubject.
50 51www.ADFCA.ae
Structural Planning Council, Abu Dhabi
• AspartoftheVisionAbuDhabi2030,aseriesofmeetingswereheldatthecouncilwiththeparticipationofADFCAandtheEnvironmentAuthority–AbuDhabi.TheaimwastoidentifythelocationssuitableforanimalproductionprojectionsinthefutureplansfortheEmirateofAbuDhabiinlinewiththeconditionsoutlinedinthedraftregulationNo.9of2012.
Environment Authority Abu Dhabi
• Asastrategicpartner fortheEnvironmentAuthority,ADFCAconveyed itsviewsonsomestudiesanddraftregulationsmadebytheAuthorityasapracticeguideforoccupationalhealthandsafetyinfoodbusinessesandadraftregulationonenvironmentalviolations.
General Administration of Customs
• Cooperationwith the Customswas in operationalizing the online linkage system and FIMIS (a project forinformationmanagementforimportedfoods).
Ministry of Interior
• ADFCA tookpart inpreparing technical andoperationalparameters forgroceriesand retail shops inAbuDhabicity.ADFCAalsocontributedtoevolvinganimplementationmechanisminlightofthecurrentsituationofgroceriesintheemirate.
The Higher Foundation for Special Economic Zones
• Workwascompleted instandardizingandclassifyingfoodandagriculturalestablishments inthe industrialsector.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Abu Dhabi Airport Services Company
• Coordinationwithbothcompanieswasforequippingtheairporttofulfilltherequirementsfortheinspectionsystemforimportedfoodsbasedonthedegreeofrisk.
Abu Dhabi Ports Company
• CooperationwiththecompanywasinthecontextofimplementingthesystemonimportedfoodsinZayedPortandequippingtheKhalifaPortforoperationalrequirements.
The consultation firm for ADFCA automation
• ThiscooperationwasbetweenthecompanyandADFCA’sITDivision,asaresultofwhichsomeservicesofferedbytheAuthorityweremadeonline.Theseservicesaresearchforstandardspecifications,foodandagriculturallegislations,stakeholderconsultationsondraftlegislations.TheseserviceswillberenderedthroughtheAbuDhabiGovernmentportalfromthesecondquarterof2012.
Local and International Awards
ADFCAreapedaharvestofawardsforitsceaselesseffortsinputtinginplaceastrongstrategicinfrastructurethatsupportstheorganization’sobjectivesandthedesiredgovernmentoutcomes.SomeoftheawardsthatADFCAwonin2011areasfollows:
Compliance Certificate for Integrated Management System. (BSi) , February 2011
ADFCA received this certificate in recognition for applying the Integrated Management System, the latestinternationalmanagementsystems.Thissystemaimstodevelopaworkingmanagementenvironmentthroughcontinuousimprovementoftechniquesandmethodsofdoingbusinessandfollow-ups.ThissystemalsoprovidestheopportunitytointegrateseveralinternationalqualitysystemsfromISO,intoonesystem.
Hall of Fame 2011 for Strategy Execution. (Palladium) , June 2011
ADFCA received thisaward in recognition for itsexcellent strategyexecutionandorganizationalperformancemanagement.
Minister of Interior Excellence Award 2011 for Best Strategic Partner (Ministry of Interior), July 2011
ADFCAreceivedthisawardinrecognitionforitsexcellenceinactivatingtheroleofkeypartners,andthesupportandcoordinationprovidedtotheAbuDhabiPoliceGeneralHeadquarters.
International Business Award 2011. (Stevie), October 2011
Thisawardwasconferredinrecognitionof:
• ThebestadministrativesupportdivisionfortheStrategicPlanningandPerformanceManagementDivision.
• ThebestgovernmentorganizationimplementingtheIntegratedManagementSystem.