Inspection campaign at the central fish market in Mecca to ensure food safety
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture intensified its monitoring efforts in the Holy City of Mecca, as the Ministry’s office, represented by the Markets and Slaughterhouses Department, carried out an extensive inspection campaign targeting the central fish market in the Al-Kaakiyah neighborhood. The tour included shops and fish frying restaurants located within the market’s scope, as part of the ongoing effort to enhance compliance with regulations and ensure the application of the highest standards of health requirements.
The field campaign resulted in the detection of nine violations related to health and safety standards, in addition to the confiscation and destruction of 160 kilograms of fish that showed signs of spoilage and decay, rendering them unfit for human consumption. These decisive measures are being taken to ensure that safe and wholesome food products reach consumers and to prevent any violations that could harm public health.
The importance of the central fish market in Al-Kaakiyah
The central fish market in Al-Kaakiyah is a vital artery for food security in Mecca, serving as the primary source of seafood for the city's residents, restaurants, and hotels. Given its strategic importance, regulatory authorities pay close attention to the safety of the products offered there, especially since fish is a highly perishable commodity requiring extremely precise storage and handling conditions to prevent it from becoming a source of food poisoning.
These campaigns are doubly important in the city of Makkah, given the population density and the presence of visitors and pilgrims throughout the year, which makes strict control over central markets a fundamental pillar in the public health and quality of life system, which is in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places food safety and the well-being of the population at the forefront of its priorities.
Control details and safety standards
In a related context, the Director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in the Holy Capital, Dr. Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Hutairshi, explained that the inspection teams do not just conduct a visual inspection of the products, but their work includes verifying the regulatory documents of the establishments and workers, and reviewing the safety of the tools and equipment used in preparation and cooking, to ensure that they are free from any contaminants that may be transferred to the food.
Al-Hutairshi pointed out that the ministry applies strict standards regarding the cold chain and display methods, emphasizing that food safety is a red line that cannot be compromised. He stressed the importance of the complementary role between regulatory bodies and public awareness, urging all citizens and residents to report any observations related to product quality or poor hygiene through the ministry's official channels to ensure a healthy and safe food environment for everyone.
