Dubais Food Code 2.0; new standards will be implemented to minimize the risks of foodborne illnesses and food poisoning cases

People who order takeaway or have food delivered in Dubai may expect to see changes in the laws that will force restaurants to better adhere to safety requirements in food preparation and delivery, list allergies on the menu and support claims that their food is organic or nutritious.

According to food safety officials, these adjustments will be made as part of a revamped food code that the Dubai Municipality's Food Safety Department is developing.

As per senior officials speaking at the first Food Safety Symposium, which was held to commemorate World Food Safety Day with the theme "Food Standards Save Lives," Dubai's Food Code 2.0 will be an improved version of the previous code that was released ten years ago in order to reduce the risks of foodborne illnesses and food poisoning cases.

Although topics like disclosing food allergies were covered in the previous Food Code, the municipality has modified the rules for tougher execution of declaring a larger spectrum of food allergens. The municipal organisation is also collaborating with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to revise the standards for food safety for trucks that transport meals.

During inspections, the new standards will also require restaurants to support any claims they make about serving "organic" or "healthy" food. According to officials, the rule will also govern foods that are ready to eat that are either raw or partially cooked as well as other cutting-edge cooking methods including smoking, ageing, and using lab meat.