Queued Up for "Dujjonku" Cookies...81 Unhygienic Shops Exposed

Inspections Conducted at 4,180 Establishments by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
Food Sanitation Act Violations Found at 81 Dessert and Unmanned Shops

A series of hygiene violations has been uncovered behind the craze for "Dubai Chewy Cookies (Dujjonku)," which once drew long lines and even prompted people to wait from opening time.

Dubai chewy cookie contaminated with foreign substances. Photo by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 25th that, together with 17 local governments, it inspected 4,180 dessert delivery restaurants and unmanned ice cream shops from February 2 to 6, and detected 81 establishments that violated the Food Sanitation Act.

Among 2,947 restaurants that prepare, deliver, and sell desserts such as Dujjonku, 60 were found in violation. Twelve violated hygienic handling standards, such as not wearing sanitary caps or masks; 10 stored or sold products past their consumption date; 14 violated facility standards, such as failing to install lids on waste containers; 20 failed to conduct mandatory health checkups for employees; and 2 violated product standards and specifications.

Among 1,233 unmanned ice cream shops, 21 were also found to have violated hygiene standards, including storing or selling products past their consumption date. The local governments with jurisdiction over these businesses will impose administrative measures and plan to recheck within six months whether improvements have been made.

Along with the inspections, 128 samples of prepared foods were collected and tested for food poisoning bacteria. In one sample of Dubai Chewy Cookies, Staphylococcus aureus was detected at levels exceeding the standard. Staphylococcus aureus is a major foodborne pathogen that can be transmitted to food through contaminated hands or cooking utensils, and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain when ingested. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to take administrative action against the restaurant in question.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "We are continuously expanding the scope of our inspections in line with consumption trends," adding, "We will strengthen safety management for widely used delivery foods and unmanned food shops, and do our best to create a safe food environment."