Jeddah Municipality shuts down illegal meat processing plants and confiscates 5 tons of food
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote public health and ensure food safety for consumers, the Jeddah Municipality conducted a proactive and targeted operation against unlicensed food outlets in the southern part of the city, resulting in the confiscation and destruction of five tons of spoiled meat and other food products. This operation is part of an intensified seasonal inspection plan implemented in the lead-up to the holy month of Ramadan, when demand for food products increases, necessitating heightened vigilance to prevent any violations that could harm public health.
Converting residential units into illegal commercial dens
Field inspections revealed serious violations, including the exploitation of residential buildings by unscrupulous individuals who converted them into unlicensed food preparation facilities, operating outside the purview of regulatory oversight. Engineer Yasser Bakhsh, Director General of Monitoring and Addressing Negative Phenomena at the Municipality, explained that inspection teams discovered a residential building that had been completely transformed into a commercial hub. This complex housed makeshift cafes and a meat processing facility producing "Siriyeh" skewers, all in an environment lacking even the most basic hygiene standards. Inspectors observed a widespread infestation of insects and a severely degraded level of cleanliness, posing a significant risk of disease outbreaks.
Integrating government efforts to enhance quality of life
This operation was not a solitary effort, but rather the result of collaborative work between several government sectors, including the Ministry of Commerce, the Civil Defense, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the Field Enforcement Force. This cooperation reflects the commitment of the relevant authorities to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 related to the "Quality of Life" program, which prioritizes human health and the safety of the urban environment. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority oversaw the seizure of the counterfeit tobacco products, while the "Ejadah" teams closed four unlicensed commercial establishments and took strict legal action against the building owners involved in concealing these activities.
The health and economic risks of food of unknown origin
These campaigns are of paramount importance given the serious risks that food of unknown origin poses to public health, as it creates a breeding ground for food poisoning and intestinal diseases. Beyond the health implications, these practices also harm the local economy by fostering the informal economy and unfairly competing with regulated establishments that adhere to safety standards. During the campaign, the Al-Jami'ah sub-municipality confiscated and destroyed approximately 500 pieces of furniture and equipment used in these activities to prevent violators from resuming their operations.
Call for community participation
In conclusion, the Jeddah Municipality reiterated its call for citizens and residents to be partners in monitoring, emphasizing that consumer awareness is the first line of defense. The Municipality urged everyone to immediately report any municipal or health violations through the "Baladi" app or via the unified reporting center 940, stressing that its campaigns will continue at an increasing pace to clean markets and ensure a safe Ramadan experience for all.
