Al-Lith Agriculture intensifies monitoring of vegetable and fish markets and fishing ports
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Al-Lith Governorate carried out an extensive field inspection campaign that included public markets and fishing ports, as part of ongoing efforts to tighten control over food supply chains and ensure the application of the highest quality standards and health requirements that guarantee consumer protection and promote public health in the governorate.
Details of market inspection tours
The inspection tours specifically targeted vegetable and fish markets in the governorate, where monitoring teams worked to ensure the safety of the products on display and their compliance with approved standards. Inspectors scrutinized food storage and preservation methods, and examined transportation and handling vehicles to guarantee they were free of contaminants and maintained product quality and safety from spoilage due to improper storage or unrefrigerated transport, thus ensuring the delivery of safe and healthy food to consumers.
Monitoring fishing ports and the marine environment
Given Al-Lith Governorate's coastal location, which makes fishing a vital economic and food resource, field monitoring included direct observation of fishing harbors. Specialized teams monitored the unloading and handling of fish immediately upon the boats' arrival to ensure fishermen's compliance with environmental regulations and fishing codes, and to verify the freshness of the fish and ensure they were not exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods before being offered for sale. This reflects the Ministry's commitment to the sustainability of marine natural resources.
The importance of the campaign in promoting food security
These inspection tours are of paramount importance as they are part of an ongoing operational plan implemented by the Ministry's office, in line with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's strategy to achieve sustainable food security. These rigorous measures contribute to enhancing consumer confidence in local products and raising the level of services provided in public markets, which positively impacts quality of life—a key objective of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on food safety and the environment.
Awareness and enforcement of deterrent regulations
During their rounds, the inspection teams focused not only on monitoring violations and health infractions and taking immediate legal action against violators, but also on raising awareness. The rounds aimed to increase awareness among vendors and workers about the necessity of adhering to instructions and regulations that ensure food safety, emphasizing that compliance with health requirements is the first line of defense in protecting the community from foodborne illnesses.
