Jeddah Municipality destroys 4.5 tons of spoiled meat and closes violating sites
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote public health and combat negative practices, the Jeddah Municipality that its inspection teams successfully destroyed 4,550 kilograms of spoiled and unidentified meat during a large-scale field campaign targeting unlicensed sites in the eastern part of the city. This campaign resulted in the closure of four sites that were operating in violation of regulations and without adhering to even the most basic health and environmental standards.
Details of seizures and serious violations
The Director General of the General Administration for Monitoring and Addressing Negative Phenomena, Yasser bin Siraj Bakhsh, explained that field teams discovered an unlicensed site used for storing meat in unsanitary conditions. More than 4.5 tons of meat and sheep heads showing signs of spoilage and decay were seized and destroyed, rendering them unfit for human consumption and posing a serious risk to consumer health. In addition to the meat, 200 liters of perfume of unknown origin were confiscated, along with 13 freezers used at the site, which lacked a proper electricity meter and was operated by undocumented workers.
Campaign context and the importance of municipal oversight
This qualitative operation comes within the framework of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, and implemented by municipalities across the Kingdom, with the aim of eliminating informal settlements and improving the urban landscape, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program. These campaigns are of paramount importance not only from an organizational standpoint, but also for their vital role in protecting the food security of citizens and residents, as meat of unknown origin is a breeding ground for bacteria and foodborne illnesses, necessitating constant vigilance from regulatory authorities.
Diversity of violations and integration of government efforts
The campaign wasn't limited to seizing spoiled food; it also uncovered a variety of illegal activities within these makeshift sites. Bakhsh noted the discovery of another site containing quantities of food items, some of which were confiscated and the usable portion donated to the Sustainability Association. Additionally, 47 packs of tobacco lacking tax stamps were seized. A third site was also identified as being used for the unregulated manufacture of household furniture, and a fourth was an illegal sewing workshop. The necessary measures were taken to close all these establishments.
Joint cooperation to protect society
This campaign was distinguished by a high level of coordination among various government agencies, including the Civil Defense, the Zakat and Tax Authority, Customs (which confiscated the tobacco products), and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (which monitored the seized poultry feed). This integrated government effort reflects the state's commitment to rigorously enforcing regulations to ensure the safety of products sold in the markets.
The Secretariat concluded its statement by emphasizing the continuation of its intensive monitoring tours, calling on everyone to cooperate by reporting any municipal or health violations through the “Baladi” application or by contacting the unified reporting center (940), to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the residents and visitors of Jeddah Governorate.
