In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, authorities close down 124 companies in a comprehensive safety enforcement action
In a significant move to ensure public health and market integrity, Saudi authorities have launched an intensive inspection campaign in the densely populated Manfouha district of Riyadh. The campaign, which began earlier this month, has resulted in the closure of 124 businesses due to food safety and related violations.
The operation, backed by security forces and several government agencies, has seen inspectors record a total of 812 violations. These violations range from the selling of rotten meat and counterfeit tobacco to the storage of expired personal care items in unhygienic environments. The campaign has also uncovered residential homes converted into makeshift warehouses, posing contamination risks.
The crackdown on these violations has led to the confiscation of approximately 32,000 unsafe products, including about six tons of spoiled food and 143 kilograms of tobacco. Over 52 street-vendor carts were also seized during the raids.
The campaign, which is part of a continuous monitoring and enforcement program, is being driven in part by consumer reports submitted via Riyadh’s “Madinaty” app. This app allows residents to report food safety breaches with photos and GPS information, emphasizing the crucial role of community participation in the ongoing enforcement efforts.
Authorities, such as Khitam Al Amir who is overseeing the operation, stress that community participation is vital to the success of such operations. The use of technology in the operation allows for more efficient and immediate action against violations.
The raids in the Manfouha district are part of a broader, proactive monitoring plan that includes daily inspections in high-traffic commercial areas. The campaign continues to operate on a daily basis, focusing on these areas to maintain and improve food safety and urban quality of life in Riyadh.
Penalties for violations range from written warnings to steep fines and outright closures of businesses deemed hazardous. The campaign reflects a major municipal drive to enforce food safety laws comprehensively in Riyadh, combining field inspections, legal actions, and citizen involvement.
The reporting system on the "Madinaty" app is described as a partnership between residents and the city to preserve food safety, urban quality of life, and Riyadh's long-term development goals. The campaign is an ongoing effort to safeguard public health and ensure market integrity in the city. Nearly 32,000 unfit products were destroyed during the operation, and power was cut at 11 sites for immediate action.
In summary, the Riyadh food safety campaign is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of the city's food supply and maintaining a high standard of urban quality of life. The campaign, backed by technology and community participation, is a testament to the city's commitment to public health and development.
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