Riyadh Authorities Clamp Down on Food Businesses Over Safety Breaches

Riyadh officials have shut down 84 food-related businesses in a citywide operation targeting hygiene and safety violations, local authorities confirmed. The crackdown, conducted alongside security and regulatory agencies, inspected restaurants, cafés, butcher shops, street vendors, and informal storage facilities.

The densely populated Manfuha district was a particular focus, with inspectors uncovering multiple breaches of health regulations. Over 400 violations were recorded, prompting the destruction of more than 5,300 kilograms of unsafe food and 25 kilograms of substandard tobacco products. Additionally, 11 sites had their power supply cut, and tens of thousands of potentially hazardous items were seized.

The campaign stemmed from complaints submitted through the Riyadh municipality’s “Madinaty” app, which allows residents to flag unsafe practices. Officials stressed that public reporting is crucial in maintaining a safe food environment across the city.

Authorities said inspections would continue regularly, supported by new digital monitoring tools, as part of a wider effort to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Read more on Gulf News by Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor