Twelve tonnes of vegetables, fruits, meat and fish that were unsuitable for human consumption or displayed in an unhygienic way were seized by health inspectors after a visit to an unofficial market in the Muhaisnah 2 industrial area.
"We caught 16 illegal vendors during the inspection," said Mohammed Al Balooshi, head of Environmental Emergency Office at Dubai Municipality. "We confiscated a large amount of foodstuffs sold in these markets. They included food that was not safe for use and also damaged items.
Vendors were selling food out in the open air without safe and hygienic storage, he said.
"The meat and fish were displayed below normal temperatures and without cooling or ice. Some were displayed on the lorries, where they were exposed to dust and other pollution," said Mr Al Balooshi.
Dubai Municipality carries out regular inspections of unofficial markets, as well as established sites including the Fruits and Vegetables Market, Deira Markets, Cattle Market, and Fish Market to deter vendors from selling spoilt food.
Unlicensed markets often offer food that would be otherwise unfit for sale.
"They offer all types of food unfit for consumption. They are mainly located in three places in the emirate, the Jebel Ali Industrial area, Al Quoz, and Al Muhaisnah. Each of these areas has 3 to 4 markets," said Mr Al Balooshi, adding that the aim of inspections is not to deprive workers of places to buy cheap food, but rather to ensure health and safety.
Food deemed to be safe for consumption will be give to charity organisations, said Mr Al Balooshi. "The municipality has an agreement with the Dar Al Ber Society to deliver food to those who need it."
Officials from the Waste Management Department at Dubai Municipality, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and officers from Al Qusais Police Station took part in the inspection. Police used sniffer dogs to find and apprehend the vendors.

Source: The National