Over 2,000 products from 21 categories were voluntarily recalled in Abu Dhabi following a glitch in their quality infrastructure, during the first half of 2017. The products included toys, electrical appliances, cosmetics, cigarettes and tobacco products.

Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, announced the voluntary recall of 2,363 products. The recall was an outcome of the inspection campaigns on controlled products carried out in the first half of 2017, during which QCC inspectors examined a total of 36,291 products from 852 establishments.

The campaigns are part of QCC's sustained efforts to ensure that all products retailed in the markets of Abu Dhabi meet its stringent quality and safety requirements in a bid to prevent defective products with health or safety risks attached from reaching consumers.

"QCC keeps a close tab on all commercial activities in Abu Dhabi through carrying out routine and surprise market inspections to ensure that all traders and suppliers adhere to the relevant safety and quality regulations. Such inspections demonstrate our continued commitment to enhancing awareness of our quality and conformity requirements especially for controlled products," said Sultan Al Mehairi, director of information service and engagement at QCC.

As part of the inspection drive, 12,038 toys from 319 establishments were examined including cotton toys, water toys and assembly toys, puzzles, audio, video and motor games, colouring toys, handicrafts, disguises and masks. Inspectors examined the toys for the GSO Conformity Marking and other relevant details and warning information.

The campaign also targeted electrical appliances - air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, cooking equipment such as water boilers, frying machines, grills and ovens - as well as personal care products such as razors, among others. A total 13,409 products from 224 establishments were checked and the inspectors ascertained that all the products complied with the relevant quality and safety requirements. The campaigns also examined 10,844 tobacco products from 309 establishments.

Al Mehairi noted that QCC inspectors routinely monitor Abu Dhabi markets to ensure that recalled products are not offered on sale using the Manaa product recall system. He urged consumers to register on Manaa and follow QCC's social media channels to receive the latest news and updates on recalled products from the emirate's markets. He also thanked retailers for their cooperation with QCC inspectors, seeking their continued support for the council's efforts to improve the overall quality of products sold in Abu Dhabi markets through joining the 'Quality Partner Programme'.

Source: Khaleej Times