Gyms and health clubs in Abu Dhabi have been warned to adhere to safety and health standards and refrain from selling illegal muscle building hormones such as anabolic steroids. The Abu Dhabi Municipality and the emirate's sports council issued the warning during a joint inspection campaign.

Dr Saeed Mohammed Qarwash Al Romaithi, director of the public health department, said: "The municipality is keen on ensuring that all gyms and fitness centres in the city meet the safety, health and operational requirements so as to protect public health.

"Gyms and health clubs must be clean all the time and should only engage in activities that they have been licensed to do."

The municipality said that all members of the staff at fitness centres should be well trained and observe personal hygiene. According to Al Romaithi, any health-related products to be sold inside a gym of fitness facility must be approved and have valid documents from the authorities concerned.

SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES