Bread prices, specifications in UAE to be adjusted

Gulf News

Dubai, 07 September 2010: Bread will cost Dh2.50 per kilogram from next month, significantly lower than the current price, a senior government official has told Gulf News. A team from the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy will rigorously monitor bread quality and prices, said Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, the department’s director.

 

Bread is usually sold by the loaf, with prices starting from Dh2. However, from October consumers will get more bread for each dirham. "Bread specifications and prices will be adjusted to a healthier standard, and bread will be sold by the kilogram throughout the UAE," Dr Al Nuaimi said.

 

 

The Cabinet has instructed the Emirates Standard and Specification Authority to grant bakeries a grace period in which they will be allowed to adjust to meet the new specifications, he said. "We have informed all the bakeries about the required standards in terms of moisture, dough and weight," Dr Al Nuaimi added.

 

Consumer rights

 

This, he said, would ensure that consumers would be able to buy good quality bread at a more affordable price. Previously, the moisture content of bread had not been standardised, with the result that its shelf life was limited.

Unscrupulous bakeries sometimes increase the amount of water in the dough to artificially increase its weight. However, the new rules will curb these illegal practices and protect the rights of consumers. The ministry has readied a team that will ensure compliance from October, Dr Al Nuaimi said.