Illegal food vendors forced off Abu Dhabi streets

ABU DHABI // Government officials have carried out a campaign to force illegal food vendors off the streets of Al Bateen.

Abdullah Al Aseeri, director of monitoring and enforcement at Al Bateen Municipality, said it had received complaints of food products being sold on the streets in surrounding areas, particularly at weekends.

He said the municipality coordinated with the Department of Economic Development and Khalidiya Police Station for the operation.

After two days of surveillance of vendors’ activities, a plan for raids was drawn up.

After Friday prayers, the officers managed to confiscate unlicensed meat, eggs, and bottles of water. Bottles containing unknown substances were also seized by officials.

The confiscated materials were destroyed by Tadweer, Abu Dhabi’s waste management centre, he said.

Despite the campaign, no arrests were made, Mr Al Aseeri said.

“The campaign couldn’t result in arresting anybody as hawkers fled the place instantly,” he said.

“Over the next two days, the committee overseeing the campaign inspected the targeted place to ensure it was free from hawkers and the operation was successful.”

He described the campaign as “hugely successful” due to the confiscation of materials.

“Organisers and strategic partners intend to carry out such campaigns regularly to root out the phenomenon in Abu Dhabi city and all suburban areas,” he said.

Al Bateen Municipality called on residents to comply with all applicable rules and regulations related to the sale of food.

To protect community health, the municipality said anyone working with food and related industries must be licensed.

“The step reflects the continuing efforts of the Municipal System in Abu Dhabi Emirate, aimed at maintaining the civilised appearance of the cities, and removing all sorts of disfiguring elements,” a spokesman said.

“It also echoes the keenness of the municipal system on the health and safety of community members, through ensuring the highest environmental and health standards relating to trading in commodities.”

Previous operations by municipal officials have targeted vendors selling pirated and indecent DVDs, as well as illegal street car washers.

newsdesk@thenational.ae