ADAFSA Launches Golden List Initiative To Encourage Food Safety Excellence In Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has introduced the Golden List, a strategic element of the Zadna Rating Programme. This initiative aims to boost transparency and motivate food establishments in Abu Dhabi to excel in food safety compliance. The Golden List acknowledges those consistently meeting top food safety standards, offering them enhanced regulatory benefits.

To qualify for the Golden List, food establishments must secure an "A" (Compliant) rating in their last three routine inspections. They should also have no high-risk violations within 12 months of the latest inspection and comply fully with all legislative, technical, and procedural requirements outlined in the approved regulatory framework. Establishments undergo periodic reassessment to maintain their status on the list.

The Golden List shifts from traditional risk-based inspections to a more advanced audit-based oversight model. This change reflects ADAFSA’s confidence in these establishments' performance, reducing unnecessary inspection frequency. Businesses can thus concentrate on innovation, service enhancement, and operational growth.

Mohamed Abdul Latif Al Hammadi, Director of Food Control at ADAFSA, stated, "The Golden List marks a new phase in the evolution of our food control programmes. It rewards committed establishments with a more flexible and efficient oversight model, reflecting ADAFSA’s approach to building positive partnerships with the private sector and promoting excellence in food safety."

Al Hammadi further commented that recognising excellence is where trust begins. He said, "The Golden List offers compliant establishments greater space for innovation and growth, without compromising safety. It stands as a mark of distinction and a certificate of quality and merit." This initiative supports ADAFSA’s broader strategy to modernise food control systems through prioritised risk management based on hazard analysis and preventive action.

ADAFSA will conduct awareness workshops for food businesses to support implementation. These workshops will be complemented by digital tools designed to facilitate self-assessment, performance tracking, and compliance monitoring. The Golden List will be regularly updated and published on ADAFSA’s official platforms to ensure transparency and encourage healthy competition within the sector.

Zadna Rating Platform

The Golden List is part of ADAFSA’s Zadna Rating Platform—a digital system allowing public access to view food establishment ratings based on their food safety performance. The platform also features a separate health engagement rating developed with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, showcasing establishments’ involvement in public health initiatives.

This initiative is integral to ADAFSA’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of compliance, transparency, and consumer trust while enhancing Abu Dhabi's reputation as a global hub for safe, sustainable, high-quality food.

With inputs from WAM