ABU DHABI – The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has confirmed that Abu Dhabi’s markets are completely free of chocolate products manufactured by Ferrero, suspected of being linked to food poisoning in a number of European countries due to salmonella infections.
According to ADAFSA, it jumped to action as soon as it received notification from the European System for Rapid Warning of Precautionary Withdrawal of some batches of Ferrero’s chocolate products.
In coordination with suppliers, food facilities and Ferrero’s local agents, the authority ascertained the safety of the batches in the country.
To further rubberstamp its findings, ADAFSA inspected all shipments of Ferrero’s products entering Abu Dhabi and once again confirmed they were not suspected batches.
knowing that the company producing this type of chocolate has withdrawn the products in European countries as a precautionary measure and it has not been confirmed that the product is not identical to date.
Ferrero recalled some of its products as a precautionary measure due to the possibility of a link with a salmonella outbreak originating in the UK that has left mostly young children ill.
ADAFSA said in a press statement that if the suspected products were found in the country, they will be withdrawn and removed from the display shelves immediately and action will be taken depending on the situation of the product.
It assured consumers that it is taking all necessary measures to prevent any improper and unhealthy products from reaching the emirate’s markets, stressing the importance of gaining consumer confidence that the goods sold within the country are safe.
ADAFSA participates in several national, regional and international systems to alert and exchange information about any food safety issues, hence take appropriate measures in accordance with each case to ensure the health and safety of food and agricultural products traded in the emirate’s markets.
As stated by the agency, it is governed under the principles of transparency, community partnership and positive effectiveness with customers and the consumers. It has dedicated many channels of communication to receiving inquiries, observations and questions from the public about any issue, topic or news about the health, safety and quality of food and agricultural products, and is keen to respond to them after verification, analysis and study.
The authority called on the public not to get caught up in hear-says or circulate any anonymous information about food safety, and to communicate with them in the event of any information or complaints related to food safety.
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