ADAFSA Initiates Field Survey To Analyse Food Consumption Patterns Across Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has initiated a detailed field survey to assess food consumption patterns in Abu Dhabi. This project is in partnership with the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi (SCAD). ADAFSA aims to promote healthier eating habits and address improper food practices among consumers in the region.

The survey's primary goal is to collect current data on food consumption across different areas, including Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. It will identify what types of food are consumed, their quantities, and analyse consumption behaviours. The study will also explore environmental, social, demographic, and cognitive factors influencing these behaviours.

Dr. Arif Abdulwahed Kalantar, Acting Executive Director of ADAFSA's Development and Innovation Sector, highlighted the survey's importance. "This field survey is vital for understanding food consumption behaviours across the Emirate by analysing the dietary habits of citizens and residents and identifying the factors that influence consumer behaviour," he stated. The survey aims to enhance food security, improve public health, and stimulate economic growth by comparing consumption patterns across regions.

Dr. Fatima Al Jasmi, Acting Dean of the College of Medicine, expressed her support for this collaborative research with ADAFSA. The research comprises two parts: a comprehensive field survey targeting individuals aged seven and above to gather data on household food consumption, safety, nutrition, physical activity, and body indicators.

The survey will run until 2025, targeting residents aged 7 to 65 years and above. Specialised UAEU staff will conduct home visits to a representative sample of households selected with SCAD's help. They will use the electronic "Abu Dhabi Food Intake 24" programme to ensure accurate data collection while maintaining participant confidentiality.

This initiative aligns with ADAFSA's broader goals of sustainable development support, ensuring food security, encouraging agricultural investment, and enhancing community well-being in Abu Dhabi. It also aims to build a resilient society capable of facing future challenges effectively.

Statistical Coordination

Yousef Fahd Abdullah Saif from SCAD emphasised their commitment to applying top statistical standards for quality administrative records at the emirate level. "The Centre is committed to enabling government entities to apply the best statistical standards," he said. This coordination allows ADAFSA to measure policy effectiveness for sustainable agriculture and food sector development.

The collected data will help assess exposure levels to chemical hazards from common foods. This understanding aids in mitigating risks associated with these hazards. The research team will also examine changes in adult food consumption behaviours in Abu Dhabi across different socio-economic groups.

Future Planning Support

The insights gained from this study aim to support policymakers in planning future developments by providing comprehensive consumer preferences information. This data serves as a scientific foundation for governments formulating effective policies related to risk management measures while offering sound food safety advice.

Analysing consumption patterns helps understand consumer behaviour changes over time while identifying unhealthy dietary practices or emerging trends that need addressing through effective policies or awareness programmes tailored specifically towards improving public health outcomes within Abu Dhabi's community contextually relevant manner without compromising accuracy or reliability throughout its execution process entirely seamlessly integrated into existing frameworks already established beforehand accordingly adjusted where necessary based upon findings obtained during initial phases conducted earlier stages prior implementation phase commenced subsequently thereafter following completion final stage successfully achieved desired objectives set forth initially outlined beginning project timeline schedule adhered strictly throughout duration entire period involved participants actively engaged contributing valuable input gathered systematically organised efficiently processed 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With inputs from WAM