The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's office in Al-Lith Governorate conducted a comprehensive field inspection campaign targeting public markets and fishing ports throughout the governorate. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of food supply chains and ensure the availability of safe and healthy products for consumers. The campaign is also part of the Ministry's strategy to ensure the highest quality standards and health requirements are met at all sales and distribution outlets.
The inspection tours specifically targeted the vegetable and fish markets in the governorate, where the monitoring teams worked to ensure the safety of the products on display and their compliance with the approved standard specifications, in addition to examining the regulatory licenses of the sellers and workers, and ensuring that they are free from contagious diseases that may be transmitted through food, which reflects the ministry’s concern for public health.
A thorough review of the preservation and transport mechanisms
Inspectors thoroughly examined food preservation and storage mechanisms, inspecting transportation and handling methods to ensure the efficiency of refrigeration systems and the cleanliness of containers, guaranteeing they are free from contaminants and maintain product quality until reaching the consumer. This step is crucial in a hot climate, where transporting fish and vegetables requires meticulous care to prevent rapid spoilage and bacterial growth.
In a related context, field monitoring included direct observation of fishing harbors to oversee the unloading and handling of fish immediately upon the arrival of boats. These measures aimed to ensure fishermen's compliance with environmental regulations, such as using permitted fishing gear and adhering to closed seasons for certain species, thus contributing to the sustainability of the fish stocks for which Al-Lith Governorate is renowned.
The economic and environmental importance of Al-Lith Governorate
These inspections are particularly important given the geographical location of Al-Lith Governorate, a vital source of fisheries and agricultural produce in the Makkah region. Al-Lith markets serve as a major distribution point, supplying neighboring governorates, making oversight crucial not only for local residents but also for food security across the region. Quality control in these markets contributes to increased confidence in local produce and supports the national economy.
These efforts align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program, which focus on strengthening the food security system, reducing food loss and waste, and improving the quality of life by ensuring the safety of food provided to citizens and residents. Through these campaigns, the Ministry also aims to create a fair competitive environment among merchants by eliminating commercial fraud and irregular practices.
During their rounds, the inspection teams focused on monitoring any violations or health infractions, taking immediate legal action against violators to deter future transgressions. Alongside their oversight role, the tours also aimed to raise awareness among vendors and workers about the importance of adhering to regulations and guidelines that ensure food safety and the sustainability of natural resources. The teams emphasized that these efforts are part of an ongoing operational plan to promote public health.
