The city's environment department is intensifying market monitoring in preparation for Ramadan
As part of intensive preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Madinah continues to implement its seasonal operational plan by intensifying field inspection tours of public markets, slaughterhouses, and agricultural sites in the region. These proactive campaigns aim to ensure that establishments comply with health and regulatory requirements, and to monitor agricultural licenses and records, thus guaranteeing the availability of safe and wholesome food supplies for citizens, residents, and visitors to the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Intensive monitoring efforts by field teams resulted in the seizure and confiscation of large quantities of non-compliant products, including 1,195 kilograms of vegetables and 133 kilograms of fish, all of which were found to be of unknown origin and unfit for human consumption. Strict legal measures were applied to the violators in accordance with the approved schedules of violations and penalties, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to protecting public health and preventing the circulation of any products that may pose a risk to consumers.
These inspections are particularly important in Medina due to the unique spatial and temporal characteristics of the region during the holy month of Ramadan. Central markets and public markets witness a surge in shoppers and a high volume of visitors, coinciding with the influx of large numbers of pilgrims and visitors. This active commercial movement necessitates heightened preparedness and oversight to ensure the quality of goods offered and to prevent any irregular commercial practices that could affect market stability or food safety. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to enhance the quality of life.
In addition to its oversight role, the ministry branch focuses on raising awareness and providing guidance to reduce food waste, in line with Islamic values and national directives to rationalize consumption. The branch distributes informational materials and encourages shoppers and merchants to adopt responsible consumption practices. Furthermore, community partnerships have been activated through ongoing coordination with specialized charitable organizations to receive safe, edible products that are being held for regulatory (not health) reasons. These products are then repackaged and distributed to beneficiaries, contributing to food preservation and strengthening social solidarity.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture affirms its continued practice of taking random samples of agricultural products and testing them in laboratories to ensure they are free of pesticide residues or any other pollutants, stressing that it will not tolerate any violations of regulations and laws against anyone who tampers with the health and safety of consumers, and calling on everyone to report any violations observed in public markets.
