As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and protect consumer health, the Makkah Region branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture conducted an intensive inspection campaign targeting seafood markets and production facilities in Jeddah. This campaign resulted in the seizure of large quantities of spoiled and unfit-for-human-consumption fish, and the recording of hundreds of violations related to health and safety standards.
Results of the monitoring campaign in numbers
The ministry announced that its inspection teams confiscated and destroyed a total of 1,110 kilograms of fish after laboratory tests confirmed they were unfit for consumption. More than 738 violations and warnings were also issued within the central fish market alone. These violations included selling fish of unknown origin, improper storage, failure to maintain appropriate temperatures, transportation violations, and tampering with product labeling.
General context and importance of censorship in Jeddah
These campaigns come in light of Jeddah's paramount importance as a major gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and as a coastal city whose economy and food market rely heavily on seafood. Jeddah's central fish market is one of the largest in the Kingdom, making it a pivotal point requiring continuous monitoring to ensure the quality and safety of the products offered to millions of residents and visitors. Maintaining the reputation of this vital market strengthens confidence in local products and supports the fishing and aquaculture sector.
Ongoing efforts within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These monitoring efforts are part of a broader strategy adopted by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to enhance the Kingdom's food security system, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. The Vision aims to improve the quality of life for citizens and residents, with food safety being a top priority. Therefore, intensifying inspection tours is not a temporary measure, but rather part of ongoing institutional efforts to raise awareness and ensure adherence to health standards among all those working in the food sector. Engineer Waleed Al-Daghis, Director General of the Ministry's branch in the region, confirmed that inspection teams conducted 3,132 visits covering 240 establishments in the past two months alone.
Expected impact and actions taken
Seizing these large quantities of spoiled fish not only prevents them from reaching consumers but also sends a strong deterrent message to violators. Engineer Jamaan Al-Zahrani, Director of the Markets and Slaughterhouses Department, explained that approximately 10 tons of seafood and vegetables were seized during the campaigns, with legal penalties applied to the violators. Furthermore, the donation of half a ton of the seized, usable products to charitable organizations after inspection reflects the humanitarian and social aspect of these campaigns, transforming violations into opportunities to support those in need with safe and reliable food. The Ministry branch emphasized the continuation of its regular and surprise inspections, urging all investors to adhere to applicable regulations and bylaws to ensure public safety.
