Residents spot rodents in restaurant at mall in Dubai

Dramatic pictures have emerged of rodents running loose in a restaurant located right outside a popular mall in Dubai.

Passersby have clicked pictures of rats running on food containers and have posted them on the social media, enraging many and some vowing never to eat at the venue.

One resident took on the social media and complained that he got sick after eating at that particular place.

The restaurant did not respond to emails sent by this website. However, master developer Nakheel, the operator of Ibn Battuta Mall, was quick to confirm that it is aware of the issue and has already taken action.

“We are aware of this issue and have taken immediate action to rectify the situation, including alerting the appropriate authorities,” a Nakheel spokesperson told Emirates 24|7.

“This restaurant is a standalone establishment located outside the mall itself, and, under the terms and conditions of its contract, is responsible for its own health, safety and hygiene management. As mall operator, our role is to ensure that such obligations are met,” the Nakheel spokesperson added.

A response from Trakhees, the management company for the mall, was awaited at the time of writing this article.

According to Dubai Municipality’s Food Code, besides observing all precautionary steps to keep away pests, management of food establishment should keep proper records of pest control inspections, surveys, maintenance and service, etc. in respect of their establishment.

Municipality officers routinely inspect cafeteria and restaurants to check there is no breach of food safety standards.

Meanwhile, a resident from Sharjah sent in pictures to Emirates 24|7, showing cockroaches on served food, calling for action to be taken against food outlets that flout hygiene rules in the country.

Rats, cockroaches, flies, sweaty kitchen workers and poorly stored food at restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and grocery stores are among violations that attract stiff penalties and even closures by the authorities.

Breach of hygiene standards can lead to fines and even shutting down of the restaurants and cafeterias.

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