The city's agriculture department launches an inspection campaign on markets and slaughterhouses for Eid al-Fitr
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Madinah launched an intensive inspection campaign under the slogan “Our Oversight of Markets and Slaughterhouses for a Healthy and Safe Eid,” as part of proactive preparations for Eid al-Fitr. This campaign aims to ensure the readiness of central and peripheral markets and slaughterhouses, and to guarantee compliance with all health and technical requirements that ensure consumer safety.
The campaign’s operational plan includes intensifying field visits to the central fruit and vegetable market, where inspection teams examine the quality and safety of agricultural products arriving at the market, and ensure that they are free from pests, diseases and pesticide residues, thus ensuring that safe and healthy food reaches citizens, residents and visitors to Madinah during the Eid period.
Veterinary control and animal welfare
In a related context, the campaign paid close attention to the livestock sector, strengthening oversight in livestock markets and slaughterhouses under the supervision of a select group of veterinarians and specialized inspectors. The tasks assigned to the field teams include conducting thorough visual inspections of livestock to ensure they are free from infectious and epidemic diseases before slaughter, as well as monitoring operations within slaughterhouses to guarantee the application of the highest standards of hygiene and sterilization.
The campaign also focuses primarily on monitoring compliance with the animal welfare system of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and addressing any violations related to animal abuse or transport in irregular ways, while applying the legal penalties against violators to ensure an ethical and regulated environment in dealing with livestock.
The importance of timing and the overall context
These intensified efforts come at a time when Medina's markets are experiencing brisk business and a surge in shoppers preparing for Eid al-Fitr. These campaigns are particularly important in Medina due to its religious significance and the large influx of pilgrims and visitors during Ramadan and Eid, making food safety and public health a top priority for the relevant authorities.
These efforts reflect the Ministry’s commitment to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 with regard to improving the quality of life and promoting public health, through imposing strict control that prevents the circulation of spoiled or unknown-source food, and limits irregular commercial practices that may harm the consumer or the local economy.
Continued work and awareness tours
The branch affirmed that its technical and administrative staff are working around the clock to monitor operations at all facilities under its supervision and ensure compliance with regulations and requirements. In addition to their oversight role, teams conduct guidance and awareness campaigns targeting vendors and employees in these establishments to educate them on proper hygiene practices. They also inform market-goers of their rights and how to choose safe products, thus strengthening community partnerships in maintaining public health.
