His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and Water, has issued Ministerial Decree No. 12 of 2016, which covers amendments for Ministerial Decree No. 41 of 2012 covering the fulfilment of EU requirement for facilities engaging in the exportation of camel milk and its bi-products.
The new decree details the need for companies that export camel milk and its bi-products to fulfill the health and regulatory requirements according to set international European standards—including operational requirements on camel milk production and the registration and compliance of these milk producing farms under the European Commission. The decree also includes animal health guidelines and operational standards in the handling of unpasteurized milk. It also covers the proper way of treating the milk and approved methods used in the laboratory to test the milk and its bi-products.
Minister Bin Fahad said that the UAE was included in the 2013 list of countries authorized to export camel milk and its bi- products to EU countries. The inclusion is the result of efforts made by the Ministry in cooperation with concerned government agencies to secure European approval for the export of these products. The approval process included the evaluation and inspection of veterinary services, legislation of the export of these products and imposition of food control systems.
Minister Bin Fahad shared that the UAE is the only country in the region that exports camel milk and its bi-products to the European region and across other countries like Malaysia, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria. The European Commission's approval is based on a strict review process that starts from the production to related services rendered by Department of Food Control and Dubai Central Laboratory of Dubai Municipality.
Camel dairy products are pasteurized milk, flavored milk, milk powder and ice cream. The UAE's camel milk products shows great potential as it is produced in compliance with set international standards and guidelines. The industry also follows international best practices in the production, processing and are subject to veterinary and sanitary control from the regulatory agencies to ensure the continuity of applying the required conditions and procedures. The Emirates Industry for Camel Milk & Products UAE in Dubai is one of the leading companies in this field. Another factory of Al Ain Farms for Livestock Production, which is located in Al Ain is also underway to get approval.