Muscat – Muscat Municipality has banned the use of conventional knives for shaving shawarma meat, replacing them with electric cutters.
This measure aims to eliminate health risks associated with metal shavings produced during the sharpening of traditional blades, the civic body stated.
The municipality has granted restaurant owners three months to comply with the decision, further requesting the cooperation of the concerned restaurant owners in executing this decision for the benefit of public welfare.
A shawarma cutter from Camilia Café – one of the oldest shawarma shops in Ruwi, while speaking about the issue, said, “The traditional knife has been a part of our trade for generations. It’s an art to slice the meat perfectly with it. Switching to electric cutters will be a big change for us.”
Tunchay Cakmak, owner of Old Turkish Restaurant in Al Khuwair, said, “I believe that the knives are much better and healthier than machines. However, we need to also follow the authorities and have them incorporated.”
An official from Nana Café shared, “We understand the health concerns and are willing to adapt. However, the electric cutters are expensive, and many small businesses might struggle to afford them within the given timeframe. Our goal is to ensure the highest standards of food safety and public health. I am sure that electric cutters provide a more hygienic alternative and significantly reduce the risk of contamination.”
