Introduction
In a city like Dubai, where temperatures soar and logistics span diverse neighborhoods, chiller vans play a crucial role in preserving food quality, whether delivering groceries, catering to restaurants, or supplying chain stores. To ensure safe, hygienic transport, the Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department has published its guideline DM-FSD-GU63: Requirements for Food Transportation and Delivery Vehicles, issued November 30, 2022.
1. Scope & Purpose
These guidelines cover all vehicles, from chiller trucks to delivery bikes, used to transport food within the Emirate of Dubai. This includes owned, rented, or food-delivery-specific vehicles. The objective? Upholding food safety, preventing contamination, and leveraging digital monitoring to strengthen compliance.
2. Vehicle Design & Construction
Hygienic Interiors & Materials
- Surfaces must be easy to clean and disinfect, with smooth edges and made from food-safe materials, such as those adhering to UAE.S/GSO 2231:2012 or GSO 839/2021 standards.
- Design must support effective temperature control and pest prevention, ensuring sealing mechanisms are tight with no air leaks.
- Vans must accommodate multiple temperature zones with complete insulation between compartments when carrying mixed-temperature products.
No Non-Food Items
- Transporting non-food items in food units is strictly prohibited. Separate compartments clearly dedicated to food are mandatory.
3. Temperature Control & Monitoring
- Chiller vans must maintain consistent temperatures throughout transit, with robust refrigeration where necessary.
- Reliable, calibrated monitoring devices—either digital or analogue—should be installed, placed in food-vulnerable areas. Regular calibration (annually or as per manufacturer guidance) is essential.
- If using remote or wireless sensors, data accuracy and traceability are non-negotiable, enabling informed decision-making.
4. Personnel Training & Safety
- Drivers, delivery staff, and handlers must complete an approved Food Safety Course, administered by a Dubai Municipality–approved training center.
- They must be registered as food handlers, with digitally traceable credentials.
- Regular in-vehicle inspections and logging of delivery incidents (e.g., temperature excursions or rejections) must be performed through the Foodwatch platform.
- Any deviation—like food being rejected—requires prompt corrective action before reuse.
5. Permits, Testing & Accreditation
- Annual Food Transport Permits are required and must be issued via accredited Testing Centers, recognized by the Food Safety Department and EIAC under ISO/IEC 17020:2012 standards.
- Testing centers must maintain digital records—such as photos or Foodwatch logs—for inspection and traceability.
- The Food Safety Department oversees auditing of both testing centers and operators, managing compliance, complaints, and maintaining system integrity.
Practical Takeaways for Chiller Van Operators
- Invest in the Right Vehicle Share
- Choose insulated, hygienic units with compartmentalization and high-quality seals.
- Install and Maintain Monitoring Tools
- Use temperature data loggers or remote sensors—ensure they’re regularly calibrated.
- Invest in Training
- Certify drivers and handlers with approved food safety courses and digital registration.
- Register and Report Digitally
- Log all checks and transport incidents via Foodwatch for real-time oversight.
- Secure Your Permit—And Stay Ready
- Operate through accredited Testing Centers and keep digital records up to date.
Why It Matters for Alpine Chiller
At Alpine Chiller, we don’t just follow the DM-FSD-GU63 food transport guidelines—we set the benchmark for them. Our fleet is built to meet and exceed Dubai Municipality’s strict requirements, from state-of-the-art temperature-controlled compartments to hygienic, food-safe interiors and digitally monitored systems. Every driver and handler in our team is fully trained, certified, and registered as a food handler, ensuring safety and compliance on every trip. Because we know the rules inside out, we deliver with confidence, precision, and reliability, making Alpine Chiller the undisputed leader in Dubai’s chiller transport industry.
In Summary:
By embracing the DM-FSD-GU63 guidelines, chiller van operators in Dubai can ensure their fleet remains hygienic, efficient, compliant—and above all, trusted. Clear design, temperature control, approved training, and digital traceability aren’t just regulatory—they’re the backbone of a forward-looking transport business.