The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, ADFCA, which is overseeing the grocery upgrade programme, 'Baqala', today launched the first grocery which meets the new standards and requirements of the project in Al Ain. This is part of plans to implement upgrades across all of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

ADFCA's spokesperson, Thamer Al Qasemi, said that implementing the project in Al Ain will contribute to preserving the cleanliness of the emirate and provide better services to consumers.

He explained that the project came into fruition following extensive studies on new standards in the retail sector, and the benefits of standardising the operation of the grocery business in Abu Dhabi to ensure safe food storage practices. The project also aims to raise the standards on criteria and specifications, implement a risk-based food control and inspection system, and legislations and regulations to best serve the sector, Al Qasemi said.

There are 900 licensed grocery businesses in the city of Al Ain registered with the Department of Economic Development, and will all be subject to conform to the new standards and requirements.

The Baqala project is a joint effort between a number of government bodies including the Department of Economic Development, Ministry of Interior, ADFCA, and the Department of Municipal Affairs.