Qassim Environment Department conducts 731 inspection tours in preparation for Ramadan
As part of proactive efforts to ensure food safety and public health with the approach of the holy month, the branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Qassim region, in cooperation with the branch of the National Center for Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Wiqa’), carried out an extensive field campaign aimed at ensuring the readiness of markets and slaughterhouses to receive the Ramadan season of 1447 AH.
Intensifying field monitoring and addressing violations
The campaign witnessed intensive activity by inspection teams, who conducted 731 inspection tours covering various public markets and slaughterhouses in the region. These thorough tours resulted in the detection and recording of 155 violations of health regulations and requirements, and the necessary warnings were issued to the violating establishments to rectify their situations immediately. These decisive measures are being taken to ensure everyone adheres to the strict health and veterinary standards, which are not to be compromised, especially during peak seasons with high consumer demand.
In a related context, the teams confiscated 15 non-compliant products and withdrew 130 samples to be sent to the pesticide residue laboratory, in order to ensure that agricultural products are free of any chemicals that may pose a risk to the health of consumers, reflecting the accuracy of the procedures followed to ensure food safety from farm to table.
Slaughterhouse readiness and veterinary control
Given the anticipated increase in meat consumption during the holy month of Ramadan, the campaign paid particular attention to the slaughterhouse sector. Specialized teams monitored slaughtering and veterinary inspection processes, and a total of 6,479 head . These rigorous inspection procedures resulted in the complete or partial condemnation of 230 carcasses deemed unfit for human consumption, highlighting the vital role of veterinarians and inspectors in protecting the community from foodborne illnesses.
Raising community awareness and highlighting the importance of the campaign
The efforts were not limited to oversight and enforcement, but also extended to awareness campaigns. Participating teams conducted 12 awareness campaigns aimed at raising health and environmental awareness among consumers and employees in these establishments. These campaigns are of paramount importance as they represent the first line of defense against health risks.
These intensive efforts come within the framework of the Ministry’s strategy to enhance food security and improve the quality of life, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Ramadan season is one of the most important economic and social seasons in the Kingdom, which necessitates mobilizing all regulatory bodies to ensure the availability of safe and healthy food products, and to protect consumers from any practices that may harm their health or the safety of the environment in the Qassim region.
