Many cafeterias ‘continue to violate’ rules for food outlets

Many tea shops and cafeterias across the Kingdom continue to flout rules by selling food items that they are not permitted to prepare. Tribune has many a time reported against this rule violations. Food safety is another concern as many safety norms are flouted by these cafeterias.

The Cabinet chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, on Monday, approved four draft resolutions stipulating that workers in the food and sectors related to public health should undergo compulsory medical check-ups every two years, starting from August 2020.

The move follows a recommendation by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince. The move aims to preserve the health of citizens and residents, as well as protect society from communicable diseases. According to sources, inadequate spaces without required permits are being used to prepare food and in many cases the conditions are unhygienic as well.

“Many of the shops here are not operating as per law. Some of the cafeterias are preparing sweet items such as zalabia even though it is not allowed. “In case of tea shops, they are selling breakfasts and other meals which they are not allowed to do,” the sources added. This has drawn the ire of restaurant owners in the area, who say their business have been adversely affected because of such cafeterias and business. 

A restaurateur had told Tribune: “We have a restaurant that has been operating since many decades. We have always followed the rules and are earning a halal income. “A tea shop launched near our shop four months back is greatly affecting our revenues as they have started selling food items for breakfast and other meals. “They are paying a small rent so they are able to sell food items cheaper. Moreover, they are unhygienic and take little care in food preparation. 

“In our case, we are paying a high rent to be able to get the permits to be a restaurant, but these shops are operating out of a small space, which is not a good thing.” Another restaurateur earlier told Tribune that he has complained to the authorities about one of the shops operating illegally.

“I have notified the authorities about one of the shops that have been operating illegally. “It is important that action is taken against these shops because it is harming people’s health.” Hussain, a resident in the area, said that cafeterias selling Indian and Arabian sweets have become a common sight. “Many cafeterias are selling sweets.

I don’t advise to buy food items from these shops because they do not look hygienic. “I hope authorities take strict action against these tea shops and cafeterias that are operating illegally.”