The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has affirmed the role of the emirate’s abattoirs in protecting public health ahead of Eid Al Adha, to enhance biosecurity standards and public health by preventing the risk of zoonotic diseases.
Abu Dhabi's abattoirs protect public health through pollution control and the provision of a hygienic environment for carcass dressing by qualified and licensed butchers. Abattoirs also ensure veterinary inspection before and after slaughtering, the proper handling and safe disposal of waste, and the implementation of biosecurity requirements.
ADAFSA noted that veterinary inspections within abattoirs ensure meat is safe for human consumption, identify pathological conditions and assess their severity. This process effectively controls the transmission of zoonotic diseases through meat, such as tapeworms and external parasites like ticks.
The authority emphasised that inspections also screen for veterinary drug residues and condemn contaminated parts. Moreover, abattoirs ensure adherence to religious slaughtering practises, including facing the Qibla, uttering the Takbeer, proper cutting for blood drainage, complete drainage and checking for poor or incomplete drainage resulting from fever, which directly affects meat suitability.
Every year, ADAFSA intensifies its efforts before Eid al-Adha to raise awareness about the importance of slaughtering in abattoirs. It provides guidance and educational tips to the public, encouraging them to use the advanced abattoirs operating in Abu Dhabi. This ensures that meat is safe for human consumption and protects public health.
