As part of the Weqaya healthy eating programme, the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) the Department of Health and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Consistency Council have identified organizations, companies and outlets that add to a much healthier culture during the Weqaya food spec honors at the 8th edition of SIAL Middle East.

Amongst the winners honoured throughout the event were Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Mafraq Health Center, Etihad Airways, Emirates Royal Residence and the Abu Dhabi Nation Club.

Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Director, Public Health Division at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi said: "The Department of Health and ADFCA have actually honoured these F&B practitioners and outlets, identifying their efforts, partnerships and their functions in raising recognition around healthy and balanced nourishment and making Abu Dhabi a healthy and balanced society.

" As part of its efforts to elevate public recognition of the have to embrace healthy and balanced way of livings, the Department of Health, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and the Abu Dhabi High Quality and Consistency Council, is raising the accessibility of healthy and balanced food alternatives in Abu Dhabi. The division works with numerous food vendors and retailers to create a safety and security logo for the products to which healthy nutrition requirements apply."

Working very closely to Weqaya's details requirements, Etihad Airways was recognised for creating, developing and providing secure and regular products.

Linda Celestino, VP of Guest Experience and Delivery for Etihad Airways said: "Etihad is the initial airline company in the region to sustain the Weqaya initiative and this is an extraordinary success for us. It called for a great deal of work from a cooking viewpoint and it shows Etihad Airways' commitment to continually innovate and enhance.

" We always aspire to be a leader of every campaign, but to additionally show our commitment to a healthier UAE; something we are passionate concerning."

Furthermore, Mafraq Hospital was awarded for adhering to Waqeda's requirements for generating healthy food in a hospital.

Mona Ali Al Hashemi, Senior Food and Drink Officer for Mafraq Health center stated: "We are honored to be the very first healthcare facility to execute the programme, and it has aided us a great deal in maintaining people healthy and balanced along with feeling excellent regarding themselves.

This award is a very innovative initiative from the Health Department to support us and encourage Abu Dhabis citizens to stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Representing the Arabic word for prevention, the Weqaya program emphasises simple way of living modifications such as offering healthy recipes for typical Emirati food in order to reduce fatalities related to heart disease.

Additionally, the Weqaya logo has been presented to be associateded with food conference a collection requirements making sure products have actually been prepared in a sanitary way, in addition to including healthy and balanced and healthy ingredients.

Likewise taking place throughout the three-day event is the second version of the Middle East Food Forum (MEFF) which included numerous campaigns to the line-up such as a forum with panel conversations, a networking evening, and a Chief Executive Officer roundtable.

HE. Dr. Mariam Hareb Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Food Control, ADFCA said: "I delight in to see decision-makers and influencers in the food and hospitality sector celebration at MEFF to discuss major difficulties experienced by dining establishments and taking on obstacles to the trade professionals.

" The brilliant concepts and innovative remedies of these conversations will certainly contribute to conquering challenges, and help improve this essential field impacting life problems of people and our society."

Identifying excellence for in-service event catering worldwide, the very first day of the occasion saw the winners of the Mercury Awards revealed in an evening event. Under the guidance of a panel of independent professionals, entrances were evaluated in five classifications with companies such as Perth Inflight Food catering taking house the Airline Meal Premium Class award, and Lily OBriens winning the best Food Product Sweet category.

SIAL Middle East will run up until 14 December at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and returns with support from Host Sponsor: Abu Dhabi Chamber, Diamond Sponsor: Jenaan Investments, Silver Sponsors: Al Rawafed and Abu Dhabi Farmers Services Centre, Bronze Sponsor: Mai Dubai and The Deep Seafood Company, and Halal Certification Sponsor: Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology.

Caption: Organizations, firms and electrical outlets were recognised for their payment to a healthier culture as part of the Waqaya healthy and balanced consuming program