- The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has increased inspections and awareness campaigns in Makkah and Madinah.
- The SFDA's primary focus is on establishments and products related to the Hajj season, aiming to ensure the security and quality of food, medications, and medical devices for pilgrims.
- The SFDA has conducted inspections of important facilities, collaborated with Hajj Affairs offices for inspections at airports, and carried out awareness campaigns and training programs for catering kitchen staff.
This is Riyadh on June 6, 2024. Makkah and Madinah have witnessed an uptick in the number of inspection rounds and awareness drives by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), focusing on the agencies and products falling within its jurisdiction. This work is considered one of the most important tasks in the authority's plan for the Hajj season this year, 1445 AH, as it seeks to secure and control the quality of food, drugs, and medical supplies provided to pilgrims. After rolling out its work plan for the Hajj season, the San Francisco District Administration (SFDA) has conducted 1,741 inspections and field surveys of vital installations. Furthermore, the authority collaborated with Hajj Affairs offices to conduct inspections of regulated goods that were entering the country via air freight at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The authority has examined 227 cargoes from 44 different nations up to this point, finding 69 out of 12,193 items to be non-compliant. In addition, the Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has undertaken awareness campaigns and training programs for 2,344 staff working in catering kitchens. These initiatives were carried out in partnership with the municipalities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as other government agencies. Ensuring pilgrims have access to safe meals is the ultimate goal of these activities, which prioritize adherence to all applicable health laws.
