Dubai Municipality have closed down more than 140 shawarma shops in Dubai accounting to 25% of total grilled meat shops.
“Out of the 573 shawarma outlets in Dubai, 425 were found to be compliant with our hygiene rules, while seven were in the process of applying the requirements,” said Sultan Ali Al Tahir, Head of Food Inspection Section in the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality.
The recently imposed strict requirements which include new conditions for the food preparation and sale have impacted the outlets in Dubai. The shops were given six months to make the changes where 25% of those have not managed to meet the requirements.
“The new conditions also include planning of the shawarma-making area and the distribution of equipment inside it. The area should be suitable for several main operations. Enough space should be provided to defrost the meat as well as for the preparation of shawarmas at various stages,” said Al Tahir.