Abu Dhabi to have world-class veterinary facilities

Abu Dhabi, Oct 1 (IANS/WAM) The Board of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has approved a project for building world-class veterinary clinics and laboratories to cater to the growing animal wealth of United Arab Emirates' (UAE) western emirate.

At first, the project will feature construction of Al Wathba veterinary clinic and laboratory at par with international standards.

The existing Qatara and Medinat Zayed veterinary clinics will be rebuilt.

The board, in its the third regular meeting of the year Monday under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, authorised hiring of an international consultant to design the project in line with guidelines of international organisations.

The board discussed the mechanism for prompt endorsement of technical regulations and specifications regarding food commodities and items.

Towards that end, the ADFCA will coordinate with the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) to approve such rules after incorporating latest regulations introduced by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, established by FAO and WHO to develop harmonised international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade.

The meeting also discussed a proposal for instituting the Sheikh Zayed Award for Agricultural Innovation, which will recognise individuals, corporations and government and non-government organisations who develop advanced innovations and technology in filling the food gap.

The ADFCA hopes the award will help the world find creative solutions to future demand for food.

--IANS/WAM

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