A proactive campaign to ensure food safety before Ramadan
With the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, which sees a significant increase in food consumption, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure food safety and security in all markets across the Kingdom. In this context, the Ministry launched a proactive and comprehensive inspection campaign under the slogan “Markets and Slaughterhouses Readiness for Ramadan,” aimed at enhancing operational preparedness and protecting consumers from any practices that could harm their health.
These seasonal campaigns are part of a well-established strategy implemented by government agencies in the Kingdom, which involves intensified monitoring during peak consumer periods such as Ramadan and the Hajj season. These measures aim to regulate markets, prevent price manipulation, and ensure that commercial establishments adhere to the highest health and safety standards, reflecting the state's commitment to the health of its citizens and residents.
Tangible results for consumer protection
The intensive campaign, involving 428 judicial officers, resulted in over 6,281 inspection tours covering central markets, slaughterhouses, and meat, vegetable, and fruit outlets across the Kingdom. During these tours, 1,475 violations and warnings were recorded and addressed immediately to enforce regulations and reinforce compliance standards among service providers.
The efforts were not limited to monitoring administrative violations, but extended to directly protecting consumers from unfit food. Inspection teams destroyed large quantities of spoiled goods, including over 19.9 tons of vegetables, fruits, and dates, 1.6 tons of meat and poultry, and 727 kilograms of fish. More than 111,000 head of livestock were also inspected at slaughterhouses, resulting in the complete condemnation of 970 carcasses and the partial condemnation of over 10,000 carcasses deemed unfit for human consumption.
Strategic dimensions that align with Vision 2030
The importance of this campaign extends beyond immediate monitoring, linking it to broader strategic objectives adopted by the Kingdom within Vision 2030. By ensuring food safety, the Ministry contributes to improving the quality of life for citizens and residents, a key objective of the Vision. The Ministry also strengthened its laboratory monitoring by examining 663 samples of agricultural products to ensure they were free of pesticide residues. The results showed that 658 samples met the required standards, confirming the safety of local products.
In a significant humanitarian and environmental initiative, the campaign saw the participation of 23 food preservation associations, which, in collaboration with field teams, successfully rescued and distributed approximately 16,190 kilograms of food fit for consumption. This collaboration not only supports families in need but also promotes the concept of sustainability and reduces food waste, a global challenge that the Kingdom is striving to address effectively. These integrated efforts underscore the Kingdom's comprehensive approach to achieving food security, protecting consumers, and fostering social responsibility.
