Date inspection guide for Ramadan: Ministry of Environment tips to ensure your food safety
With the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, the Eastern Province branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched a proactive awareness campaign to ensure the safety and quality of dates offered in the markets. The Ministry confirmed the readiness of the markets and the availability of ample quantities of locally grown dates at competitive prices, emphasizing the existence of strict oversight to protect consumers and enhance their confidence in local products.
The cultural and religious significance of dates during Ramadan
Dates hold a special place on the Ramadan table, not only in Saudi Arabia but throughout the Muslim world. Their consumption is closely linked to the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition), where it is recommended for those fasting to break their fast with fresh or dried dates. This historical and religious heritage makes dates an essential and indispensable element, significantly increasing demand during the holy month and necessitating intensified regulatory efforts to ensure the delivery of a safe and healthy product to consumers.
Abundant local production and stable prices
Engineer Fahd Al-Hamzi, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's Eastern Province branch, explained that the abundance of locally produced dates has significantly contributed to stabilizing prices in central markets and retail outlets. He added that the palm and date sector enjoys continuous government support as it is a vital economic pillar and one of the most important crops for food security in the Kingdom, thus ensuring the availability of high-quality products at reasonable prices for citizens and residents.
Saudi quality meets global standards
Saudi dates reign supreme in global quality, a fact that is not accidental but rather the result of rigorous standards applied from the initial stages of cultivation and palm care, through harvesting and sorting, to packaging, storage, and distribution. These procedures ensure that a safe and healthy product reaches the end consumer and have enhanced the reputation of Saudi dates in international markets. The Kingdom is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of dates, thus contributing to the goals of Vision 2030 related to diversifying non-oil exports.
Tips for consumers when buying dates
For his part, Engineer Waleed Al-Shuwaired, Director of the Agriculture Department, revealed that the Kingdom boasts more than 300 varieties of dates, most notably popular types such as Sukkari, Khalaas, Sagai, and Ajwa, offering consumers a diverse range of choices to suit various tastes. Al-Shuwaired offered several pieces of advice to consumers, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly inspecting dates before purchase to ensure they are free of any cracks or unusual odors that might indicate improper storage or spoilage. He also stressed the importance of storing dates in cool, dry environments to preserve their quality and nutritional value for as long as possible. Despite their health benefits as a quick source of energy thanks to their natural sugars, he cautioned against excessive consumption, emphasizing that moderation is key to reaping maximum health benefits without any complications.
