Dubai: A new committee in the UAE is being formed to bolster human and animal health and welfare through stricter licensing and registration of veterinarian products and manufacturers, said the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on Monday.
Under a new decree by the ministry (MOCCAE), new oversight measures by the committee will ensure a safer food chain involving livestock as well as other aspect of animal husbandry.
Dr Majid Sultan Al Qasimi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Food Diversity Sector at the MOCCAE, will lead the new body which will include members of MOCCAE, Ministry of Health & Prevention, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Dubai Municipality, Emirates Racing Authority and Central Veterinary Research Laboratory at Dubai Equine Hospital.
The committee is mandated to carry out any task assigned to it by the Minister of the Climate Change and Environment.
The decree also stipulates that the committee is to adhere to the Federal Law No. (9) of 2017 which regulates the handling, trading, marketing and circulation of veterinary products.
Dr Al Qasimi noted that the decree is in line with the Ministry’s strategic objective to protect and develop livestock, and said: “The decree is in pursuance of the Federal Law No. (9) of 2017, which stresses that veterinary products are as important as human medicine, as they lead to a better animal health and welfare.”
“The move emphasises the critical role of veterinary medicines and related products considering their direct impact on animal and public health, as well as the environment at large. Aiming to reduce the spread of epidemic and infectious diseases and the consequent increase in biosecurity rates, the regulation helps ensure food safety. Notably, the new law contributes to achieving the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 that prioritises the protection and development of livestock.”
He pointed out that the law regulates the marketing and circulation of veterinary products to prevent malpractices as stipulated by the GCC Veterinary Products Law related to the registration of companies and factories and veterinary products in accordance with best-in-class global practices and scientific criteria.
Under the Federal Law No. (9) of 2017, MOCCAE is mandated to facilitate the licensing and registration of local veterinary companies, factories and warehouses, as well as the registration of foreign companies before commencing any veterinary product related activity in the UAE.
The Ministry is to review technical reports received from international organisations or bodies on veterinary products and companies, monitor markets, receive reports from hospitals or veterinary clinics, publish lists of prohibited veterinary products and determine the requirements for registration and licence renewal.
