ABU DHABI, 20th June, 2023 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has announced the conduct of an extensive Total Diet Study (TDS) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The TDS aims to evaluate the extent to which consumers are exposed to different chemical contaminants in their daily food. This study is considered the first of its kind in the country and is part of ADAFSA’s continuous efforts to ensure the safety and quality of food, promote public health and enhance the quality of life in the emirate. In this comprehensive two-year study, due to be completed by December 2025, food samples will be collected from various sources where food is sold in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions. These sources include department stores, retail stores, grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and traditional restaurants. The TDS aims to analyse commonly consumed foods prepared in a ready-to-eat form, including meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, beverages, water and other daily-consumed foods. Following the collection of samples, specialised laboratories will conduct analyses to determine the content of chemical pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticide residues, antibiotics, mycotoxins, nitrates, nitrites and acrylamide. The aim is to assess the extent to which consumers are exposed to these pollutants and analyse the resulting health impact of their ingestion. ADAFSA confirmed that this important TDS will help determine safe levels of daily consumption of these pollutants and identify proper dietary behaviours to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. In addition, the study will support the development and launch of awareness programmes that emphasise the significance of selecting healthy foods that align with daily nutritional requirements. Moreover, the TDS will assist in shaping policies concerning agricultural and livestock production, ensuring that chemical pollutants are minimised as much as possible, enhancing food safety protocols and minimising consumers’ exposure to chemical pollutants. The Authority highlighted that numerous countries carry out such studies regularly, as it is considered the most efficient method to evaluate the exposure of consumers of diverse age groups to chemical pollutants due to their food consumption and to assess the associated health risks. The results of this TDS will help to identify food safety priorities, assess the effectiveness of risk management measures and applicable legislation, and enhance the effectiveness of food supply chains.
Source: Emirates News Agency