Abu Dhabi chef fined $27,000 for out of date yoghurt

Tuesday, 14 July 2009 8:41 AM

A head chef at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi has been fined AED92,000 ($27,000) for storing an out-of-date tub of yoghurt in a kitchen fridge.

Inspectors from Abu Dhabi Municipality found the yoghurt, which the British chef’s lawyers said was one day past its expiry date, during a routine visit about a month ago, according to the National.

The paper said the chef, identified only as PH, has since appealed the verdict, heard on Monday at the Criminal Court of Appeal. It is the second time the defendant has made an appeal.

He was fined AED70,000 for not educating his staff on the emirate’s food expiration laws and AED20,000 for storing expired food. He had to pay a further AED2,000 in municipality fees.

PH told the court: “I am only an employee of the hotel. I should not be the one charged with this. I signed the documents, but I did not understand that I would be the one charged. I am only an employee.”

The judge said the appeal verdict would be given on July 22.

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Posted by: worried Saturday, 18 July 2009 3:04 PM[UAE] - uae

Imagine if this happens in Emirates Palace, what would be the standard in the neighborhood cafeteria??

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Posted by: NJ Thursday, 16 July 2009 1:57 PM[UAE] - UAE

I think they have done well. We have recently seen food poisining cases. So these kind to penalties will set an example for others and they will be more careful. Good show before we loose anymore lives.

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Posted by: Paul Thursday, 16 July 2009 11:32 AM[UAE] - Saudi

Just shows what lack of common sense the authorites in Abu Dhabi have.Should be a verbal warning to the Hotel.Authorities should check suppliers and their goods,how often they change expiry date on boxes or repack expired food. Definately show the lack of qualification of the Food safety inspectors and how far they are behind in Abu Dhabi in terms of Food Safety inspections.Check up some Government Labour Camps.Polish your own shoes first.

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Posted by: Jennifer Baxter Thursday, 16 July 2009 10:37 AM[UAE] - England

Although the intention is good, the effect is disastrous for Abu Dhabi's image. The chef will eventually quit, the staff will be working in fear, the reputation of the place will drop. Overall the Emirates Palace will suffer and Abu Dhabi in turn will suffer. I get the point, but it should be a symbolic punishment not the man's monthly salary (or so). Anyhow, I don't think we've heard the end of this story.

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Posted by: Mick Wednesday, 15 July 2009 5:35 PM[UAE] - UAE

Ok, point* - UAE laws are ridiculously strict in insignificant areas and focus should be put where it really deserves it. counter point* - If you are living in the country, you must abide by the laws, however unreasonable they seem. You live here, so deal with whatever the landscape brings or leave. You can apply any subject to these to arguments and you have just about every comment to any news story, pretty much.

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