The Environment Ministry conducts 6,000 inspection tours before Ramadan 1447 and regulates the markets
As part of intensive preparations for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conducted a large-scale proactive inspection campaign targeting public markets and slaughterhouses across the Kingdom. These measures are part of the Ministry's strategy to ensure the highest food safety standards and provide healthy and safe products for consumers during the peak season, which sees a significant increase in demand for food products.
The importance of proactive monitoring during seasons
These campaigns are of paramount importance as they represent the first line of defense for protecting public health. With the approach of the holy month, purchasing power and consumption of meat and vegetables increase, necessitating enhanced operational readiness within the environmental system. These field visits contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 regarding improving quality of life and strengthening food security by ensuring that markets are free from harmful practices and violations of agricultural regulations, and guaranteeing the availability of safe and sustainable food for Ramadan meals.
Campaign statistics and inspectors' efforts
The ministry revealed that 428 judicial officers and field inspectors were deployed to carry out this task, conducting 6,281 intensive monitoring visits. These meticulous efforts resulted in the detection of 1,475 various violations, which were dealt with immediately in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures, reflecting a firm commitment to enforcing the law to deter violators and ensure market discipline.
Regarding the seized items, the inspection teams destroyed huge quantities of food unfit for human consumption, including:
- More than 19.9 tons of spoiled vegetables, fruits and dates.
- Approximately 1.6 tons of unfit meat and poultry.
- 727 kilograms of fish of unknown origin or spoiled.
Control of slaughterhouses and laboratories
The slaughterhouses experienced high operational pressure, receiving 111,322 head of cattle. To ensure meat safety, veterinary staff conducted thorough inspections, resulting in the complete condemnation of 970 carcasses and the partial condemnation of 10,041 others. This highlights the vital role of veterinarians in preventing the spread of diseases to consumers.
Regarding laboratory quality, the ministry strengthened its control by examining 663 samples of agricultural products to verify the limits of pesticide residues. The results showed a very positive indicator, with 658 samples conforming to standard specifications, which confirms the quality and safety of the local product.
Social responsibility and waste reduction
The campaign wasn't limited to oversight; it also included a crucial humanitarian and social aspect, in collaboration with 23 food preservation associations. This partnership successfully rescued and redistributed 16,189 kilograms of food fit for consumption, a step that reinforces the principles of social solidarity and supports environmental sustainability by reducing food waste, aligning with the authentic values of Ramadan.
