UAE Food Safety Checklist (Dubai/Abu Dhabi)

This comprehensive food safety checklist is designed for food establishments in the United Arab Emirates to comply with Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department requirements, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) regulations, and Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) standards. Aligned with GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization) and GCC food safety requirements. Use this checklist to prepare for municipality inspections, ensure food handler health card compliance, main

  • Industry: Food & Hospitality
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Role: Food Safety Manager / Kitchen Manager / HACCP Team Leader
  • Total Items: 37
  • Compliance: Dubai Municipality, ADFCA, ESMA, GSO/GCC Standards, HACCP

Trade License and Permit Requirements

Verification of valid trade license and food establishment permits.

  • Trade license valid and current?
  • Trade license displayed?
  • Food establishment permit valid?
  • Food activities match license?
  • HACCP certification in place?
  • Halal certification valid (if required)?

Food Handler Health Cards

Verification of valid health cards for all food handlers as required by UAE regulations.

  • All food handlers have valid health cards?
  • Health cards accessible for inspection?
  • Health card renewals tracked?
  • No staff with illness symptoms on duty?
  • Personal hygiene standards observed?
  • Regular handwashing practiced?

Temperature Logging

Temperature monitoring and recording as required by Dubai Municipality and ADFCA.

  • Chiller/Cold Room Temperature
  • Freezer Temperature
  • Hot Holding Temperature
  • Delivery temperatures checked and recorded?
  • Temperature log book maintained?
  • Calibrated thermometers available?
  • Proper cooling procedures followed?

Halal Compliance

Halal food handling requirements for UAE food establishments.

  • All suppliers Halal certified?
  • Supplier Halal certificates on file?
  • No pork/pork products on premises?
  • No alcohol used in food preparation?
  • Halal and non-Halal stored separately (if applicable)?
  • Halal label on packaged products?

Municipality Inspection Items

Common inspection points checked by Dubai Municipality and ADFCA inspectors.

  • Kitchen clean and well-maintained?
  • Pest control program in place?
  • Proper waste management?
  • Adequate ventilation and exhaust?
  • Safe potable water supply?
  • Cross-contamination controls in place?
  • Food labeling and date marking correct?
  • Photo of kitchen/storage area

Temperature Control & Monitoring

Food temperature safety verification

  • Cold holding at 41°F/5°C or below?
  • Hot holding at 135°F/57°C or above?
  • Thermometer calibrated and accurate?
  • Temperature log current and complete?

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