Some 2,000 products pulled from Abu Dhabi shelves

The National -- More than 2,000 dangerous and low quality products have been recalled by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.

The council pulled 2,463 household goods from shelves that will be returned to the country of origin or destroyed. The council did not specific what types of products had been recalled.

An additional 7,334 products were temporarily withdrawn to improve their safety and quality.

The council inspected more than 50,000 products in the Abu Dhabi emirate between January and September, including nearly 18,000 electrical applicants, more than 15,000 toys, more than 13,000 tobacco products, more than 3,000 detergents and more than 600 tires.

No toys or detergents had been recalled this year.

"Controlled products are essential items that we use in our everyday lives,” said Sultan Al Mehairi, the council’s director of information service and engagement, in a statement. “Given their direct impact on our health, the quality and safety of these products is imperative. This mandates strict and effective control measures to prevent the circulation of controlled products that do not meet the applicable safety requirements.”

Electronic appliances should have a three-pin plug. Appliances that use a lot of energy, like air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines must have a label from the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology indicating their energy efficiency rating.

Most recalled appliances were made in China.

“Traders who do not cooperate and fulfill requirements, will face legal action and will be liable to penalties,” said Mr Al Mehairi.

Consumers can report suspicious products and view a list of recalled products at the Manaa website for consumer protection.