DUBAI - The UAE will introduce a national surveillance system for food poisoning cases and a unified mechanism for food safety under a new law to be implemented by the end of the year.

"The National (Food Safety) Committee has already finished the first draft and we expect the law to be ready by the end of the year," Minister of Environment and Water Rashid bin Fahad told reporters at the 5th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, on Monday.He said the federal law will include existing food safety regulations and will be implemented across all emirates. The law will bring under one umbrella all technical aspects and procedures related to the production, import, storage, transportation and supply of food products.

Officials are also working on establishing a national database to help effectively investigate food poisoning cases. "Without proper data, we cannot identify the reasons for such cases and form our prevention plans." Al Awadhi said workshops on food borne disease investigations by internationals experts were being held during the conference. With 90 per cent of consumable goods being imported to the UAE, the government has also been trying to ensure better food security by supporting farmers and agriculturists to boost local production.