Asir Agriculture Department seizes 594 kg of spoiled fish in Abha and Khamis Mushait

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and protect public health, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in the Asir region, represented by its Fisheries Committee, seized a large quantity of fish unfit for human consumption, amounting to 594 kilograms. This successful operation was carried out during intensive field inspections conducted over the past two days, targeting fish markets and shops in the governorates of Khamis Mushait and Abha.

The branch confirmed that these tours, which were carried out with the participation of a number of relevant government agencies, resulted in the detection of serious violations of health requirements, which necessitated the application of immediate regulatory fines against violators, and the closure of a number of commercial establishments that did not comply with the approved standards and regulations, in order to ensure that such violations that directly affect consumer health are not repeated.

Ministry Strategy and Consumer Protection

These field operations are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening the food security system and raising quality standards in local markets. The Ministry regularly intensifies monitoring across various regions, particularly during peak seasons when demand for seafood products increases, to ensure the integrity of supply and storage chains.

These efforts are particularly important in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes "quality of life" and "public health." Maintaining markets free of spoiled products not only protects consumer health but also enhances confidence in the local market and supports compliant businesses, thus creating a fair competitive environment.

Health risks of spoiled fish

From a health perspective, consuming spoiled fish is one of the most dangerous causes of food poisoning. Fish spoils quickly and requires very precise storage and refrigeration conditions. When fish spoils, bacteria multiply and release harmful chemicals such as histamine, which, when ingested, can lead to severe allergic reactions, digestive problems, and in some cases, even life-threatening situations.

Therefore, regulatory authorities emphasize the need to adhere to appropriate temperatures during transport and display, and the general cleanliness of tools used in cutting and cleaning, which is what the recent campaign in Asir focused on.

Tips for consumers when buying fish

In a related context, nutrition and food safety experts advise consumers to pay attention to the signs of fresh fish quality to avoid commercial fraud or purchasing spoiled products. Among the most prominent of these signs are:

• Eyes: The fish's eyes should be clear, bright, and prominent, not sunken or dark.
• The gills: should be bright red or pink, and free of mucus or unpleasant odors.
• Skin and scales: The skin should be firm and the scales difficult to peel off. When you press your finger on the fish's body, the flesh should immediately return to its normal position and not leave a deep indentation.
• Smell: Fresh fish has a distinctive sea smell, while pungent or ammonia-like odors indicate spoilage.

The Ministry's branch in Asir concluded by emphasizing the continuation of surprise and periodic inspection tours, calling on citizens and residents to report any observations or violations related to the safety of food products through the official channels designated for this purpose.