Intensive Ramadan food safety campaigns targets establishments

• The administration issued 1,845 order delivery permits, 496 export certificates for Gulf countries, and 66 certificates for Arab and foreign countries. Moreover, 513 new licenses for food transport vehicles were issued, and 1,563 licenses were renewed for the same purpose

Dr. Nawaf Al-Enezi, Director of the Farwaniya Governorate Inspection Department at the Food and Nutrition Public Authority, confirmed that inspection and control campaigns for food establishments are ongoing throughout the year. He emphasized that their efforts will be intensified during the holy month of Ramadan to ensure food safety and quality, thus safeguarding the health of consumers.

Dr. Al-Anazi revealed that 325 tons of food unfit for human consumption were destroyed in the past year, 2023. Additionally, 447 violations were registered, and 42 food facilities were closed.

He pointed out that “the administration issued 663 new licenses for food establishments. Additionally, 2,507 licenses were renewed. The administration also issued 1,845 order delivery permits, 496 export certificates for Gulf countries, and 66 certificates for Arab and foreign countries. Moreover, 513 new licenses for food transport vehicles were issued, and 1,563 licenses were renewed for the same purpose.”

The administration, in fact, places special emphasis on ensuring food safety and quality and protecting consumer health, as mandated by Law No. 112 of 2013, which established the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition. This is achieved through the rigorous control and inspection of food establishments, defined as any facility involved in the production, distribution, storage, or sale of food. These measures ensure adherence to the health specifications and requirements that food establishments and their employees must meet.

In the context of monitoring and inspecting food establishments in 2023, authorities destroyed 325 tons of food deemed unfit for human consumption. Additionally, they recorded 447 violations against establishments that failed to meet health requirements. Furthermore, 42 establishments were administratively closed due to repeated violations and non-compliance with warnings. These cases were subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution for further action.

718 new licenses issued for food establishments

According to the administration’s statistics for the year 2023, 718 new licenses were issued for food establishments, and 2,712 licenses were renewed. Additionally, the administration issued 1,845 delivery permits, 52 permits for ice cream trucks, and renewed 115 permits. Furthermore, 496 export certificates were issued to Gulf countries, along with 66 certificates to Arab and foreign countries. Moreover, the administration issued 513 new licenses for food transport vehicles and renewed 1,563 licenses for the same purpose.

Transaction completion rates

The Farwaniya Governorate Inspection Department is one of the largest departments within the Food and Nutrition Public Authority, both in terms of the annual transactions it handles and its completion rates. In response to the previous question regarding new licenses for food establishments, license renewals, issuance of export certificates, and other authorized procedures, we have referred to some statistics related to this matter.

Preparations for Ramadan

The administration comprises five centers: Al-Rai, Farwaniya, Shubrat Al-Jleeb, Al-Firdaws, and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, in addition to the main administration in Khaitan. Inspection campaigns are ongoing throughout the year, but undoubtedly, during the month of Ramadan, there will be an intensification of campaigns and inspection tours targeting food establishments, including stores, cooperative societies, and various sales outlets.

Comprehensive mechanization

In accordance with the government’s work program and the significance of digitally transforming services, efforts are being made to extensively integrate the administration’s services, along with those of the General Authority for Food and Nutrition, with various relevant government agencies. This integration enables auditors to independently complete their transactions without requiring a review by the administration. In this regard, we refer to the directives of Dr. Reem Al-Fulaij, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of the Food and Nutrition Public Authority.

Generally, efforts are underway not only to increase the number of inspectors but also to enhance technical work and develop operational mechanisms. Regarding the number of inspectors within the administration, it is sufficient to cover the various regions under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the regulatory frameworks established for this purpose.

An annual plan is prepared by the relevant sectors within the Food and Nutrition Public Authority in this regard. One of its notable features includes organizing training courses for leaders, inspectors, and administrators. These courses aim to promote career development and enhance technical skills.

Control systems

Dr. Nawaf Al-Enezi confirmed that the department’s control systems encompass oversight of all food outlets, including those involved in production, processing, marketing, and importation. These outlets are situated in various areas under the department’s jurisdiction.

Al-Enezi emphasized the importance of food establishment owners adhering to health requirements, emphasizing that the administration will not tolerate any violations.

He commended the efforts of the administration’s inspectors for their outstanding performance and adherence to procedures. Al-Enezi expressed confidence in the inspectors, stressing that no violations were proven against them even after thorough examination of received observations, which attest to the integrity of their procedures.

Transaction fees

Al-Enezi disclosed that the fees collected for transactions completed by the Authority during the year 2023 totaled 109,445 thousand dinars. He noted that these fees are paid through the governorate.