DUBAI // Hotels are taking new measures to ensure they do not contribute to global food waste.
While millions of people go hungry worldwide, about 1.3 billion tonnes of food a year is lost or wasted, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. Its figures were based on findings of the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology.
"Food as waste is a worldwide concern, and our focus is on what our role is in this global scenario," said Bobby Krishna, senior food studies and surveys officer at the food control department of Dubai Municipality.
"The more the industry takes care to meet set standards, the better reduction of wastage."
In the capital, the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority issued a circular to hotels in late March, outlining a possible penalty of up to Dh50,000 annually if waste exceeds the acceptable limit. The acceptable limit will be decided at a meeting next week.
Roula Hakim, environmental hygiene health and safety manager at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, and Meridien Abu Dhabi, said the new rule will be implemented upon renewal of tourism licences.
"Food wastage is a big problem," she said. "Especially for establishments that display large amounts at buffets. We display small quantities and refill when needed."
When, after functions, food is left over that was not served or displayed, it is distributed throughout the hotels' restaurants on the same day.
Hassan Massood, executive chef at the Radisson Blu in Dubai Media City, said food cooked but not served is kept chilled and can be served the next day.
"As per Dubai Municipality requirements, food served on the buffet is kept for a maximum of four hours at the right temperature," he said. "Whatever food is left over at the end of the day has to be thrown away."
Mirco Beutler, the Dubai-based managing director of Mobile Gastrokonzepte, a food services company, said it has a new product that will dramatically decrease waste.
The Waste 2.0 food waste digester uses micro-organisms to digest food and break it down into a greyish water safe for use on plants.
"We installed it in 50 sites across the United Kingdom over the last year including hospitals and we've taken an order from the Westin Hotel, Dubai," Mr Beutler said.
He said the machine costs around €10,000 (Dh52,600) and can reduce hotel waste by up to half.
Ms Hakim said if the product is shown to be effective, her company might place an order.
Mr Krishna said one of the main issues the municipality faces is the rejection of imported food at ports over "trivial" issues such as non-compliance by companies at the country of origin.
He said the municipality plans to target the biggest importers of food - including India, China, Pakistan and the United States - to provide information about rejected foods, companies and brands.
When there are regulations specific to Dubai, he added, communication needed to be stepped up by appointing liaisons.
"Some 95 per cent of food is imported here. That's around six million tonnes per year. The better the food control along the chain the less rejection and waste," he said.
"Imagine a ship coming here with a full container and going all the way back and the energy that will consume. Imagine the energy invested in food production. If we clarified regulations, they can save millions."
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The Kingfisher Secret
Anonymous, Penguin Books
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Specs
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Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
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Fuel economy, combined: 11.2L/100km
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McLaren GT specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh875,000
On sale: now
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
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6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
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8.50pm: Calandogan
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Itcan profile
Founders: Mansour Althani and Abdullah Althani
Based: Business Bay, with offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India
Sector: Technology, digital marketing and e-commerce
Size: 70 employees
Revenue: On track to make Dh100 million in revenue this year since its 2015 launch
Funding: Self-funded to date
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Brolliology: A History of the Umbrella in Life and Literature
By Marion Rankine
Melville House
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If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
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UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
1st ODI, Friday, January 8
2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10
3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12
4th ODI, Thursday, January 14
