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ADAFSA — food safety in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority regulates the food chain across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi — here's what compliance involves.

Overview

The competent authority for Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is the government body responsible for food safety and biosecurity across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It licenses food establishments, sets food-control requirements and carries out inspections from farm and import through to retail and catering.

ADAFSA requires food businesses to operate HACCP-based food safety systems, employ trained food handlers and a designated person responsible for food safety, and maintain traceability and correct labelling. Its requirements align with UAE federal food law and international best practice.

At a glance

Why it matters

Competent authority for Abu Dhabi Emirate
Establishment licensing & inspection
HACCP-based systems required
Food handler & supervisor training
Traceability & labelling enforced
Key requirements

What ADAFSA expects

The essentials of food-control compliance in Abu Dhabi.

01

Establishment licensing

Valid food licence with the correct activities and an approved food safety approach.

02

HACCP-based system

A documented, risk-based food safety management system suited to your operation.

03

Trained personnel

Food handlers and a designated food safety supervisor with recognised training.

04

Temperature & storage

Controls for receiving, cold storage, cooking and hot-holding with monitoring records.

05

Traceability

One-step-back, one-step-forward traceability and approved-supplier controls.

06

Labelling & allergens

Correct product labelling and allergen information in line with UAE requirements.

How RTNTS UAE helps

Confident compliance across Abu Dhabi

We help Abu Dhabi operators meet ADAFSA requirements and prepare for inspection.

HACCP-based system design & documentation
Food handler & supervisor training
Traceability, labelling & supplier controls
Pre-inspection gap analysis & corrective actions

Need to meet ADAFSA requirements?

Tell us where you are on your ADAFSA journey and we'll map out the fastest, most cost-effective route — with a free, no-obligation quote.