laws

Ajman Local Order No. 1/2015 focuses on public health in the Emirate of Ajman. It aims to preserve the health of the community, prevent diseases, and develop individuals' mental, physical, and psychological capabilities. The law covers various aspects such as environmental cleanliness, control of communicable diseases, pest control, and measures to protect and develop the health of the community. The law defines several terms including Emirate, Department, Chairman of the Department, Director General of the Department, Authority, Competent Administration, Organisational Unit Concerned, Relevant Authority, Judicial Officer, Person, Owner, Occupier, Building, Public Place, Utility, Animal (Veterinary) Utilities, Food Utility, Public Health Utility, Health Utility, Person in charge of the Utility, Public Health, and Health Hazard. It also introduces additional terms such as Approved UAE Standards, Lot Number, Temporary Release, Final Release, Sequestration, Destruction, Food Trader, Food Processing, Food Safety, Health of the Food, Food Suitability, Food Label, Food Safety Systems, Source of Risk, Risks, Risk Analysis, Risk Assessment, Health Requirements, Equipment, Licence, Complex Food Activities, Pollution, Smoking, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Waste, Waste Disposal Site, Food Additive, Food Control, Harmful Food, Adulterated Food, Rotten Food, Communicable Disease, Isolation, Animal Disease, Public Health Pests, Pesticides, and Pest Control Utility. The law emphasizes compliance with the approved UAE Standards issued by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology. It also introduces concepts such as lot numbers, temporary release, final release, sequestration, and destruction in relation to the handling of food shipments. Furthermore, the law addresses the responsibilities and powers of individuals, occupiers of buildings, and utilities, prohibiting them from causing any health hazards in the Emirate. Offenses such as disposal of waste, breeding animals without a license, acquiring or trafficking diseased animals, emitting smells or fumes that damage public health, engaging in activities that endanger workers or nearby individuals, and any other activity causing a health hazard are considered health hazards under the law. The Competent Administration is tasked with taking necessary measures to prevent and remove health hazards, including the power to access public health utilities, request opening utilities outside working hours, write inspection reports, access documents related to public health activities, pick samples, examine containers, suspend utility activities in case of health hazards, and seize food or materials. The law also emphasizes health education programs provided by the Competent Administration to preserve public health, prevent diseases, ensure food safety, and protect animal wealth. In terms of food control, the law establishes procedures for licensing and renewal of licenses for food utilities, including requirements for adequate buildings, equipment, facilities, protection from pests, and safe drinking water systems. The owner or person in charge of the food utility is responsible for ensuring food safety, complying with health requirements, training employees, notifying authorities of communicable diseases, and tracking food traded in the establishment. Workers at food utilities must be qualified, possess valid occupational health cards, and undergo appropriate training programs. The Competent Administration is responsible for qualifying and training workers through approved companies and implementing in-house training courses. Food utilities are required to apply a food safety program based on risk assessment, comply with health and safety standards, and undergo periodic control inspections. Food products traded in Ajman must be safe, valid for human consumption, and not adulterated. The law also includes provisions for violations and the necessary decisions and instructions for its implementation. It was issued on 17/03/2015 by Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Head of the Municipality and Planning Department, and published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Ajman in 2015.