Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Riyadh Mayoralty has detected 26 violations threatening public health during inspection tours covering several shops providing soft drinks in the capital city. The inspections have resulted in the closure of two establishments for the violations.

The inspection tours were carried out in participation of relevant authorities and partners, as part of daily monitoring and after receiving a number of reports via the "Madinaty" app. This was aimed at protecting public health and ensuring these establishments' compliance with municipal regulations.

The mayoralty explained that multiple violations were detected related to poor hygiene, employing employees without the necessary health certificates, and other practices that affect consumer safety.

The violations also included poor storage and handling of food and beverages, unsanitary handling, displaying or using meat showing signs of spoilage, and employees' failure to maintain personal hygiene and a healthy appearance.

The violations also included the presence of live and dead pests within the facility, poor hygiene in food preparation areas and equipment, employees' failure to wear appropriate uniforms, head coverings, and gloves, operating without a license, and reopening the facility before the end of the period for the closure taken as a punitive measure.

The inspection teams also detected violations including the failure to provide appropriate containers for waste disposal, employing workers without health certificates, failure to comply with regulations for the display and storage of tobacco products, the absence of food labels, and the lack of adequate ventilation and lighting.

The violations also included cracks in floors and walls, violations related to public facility safety, water leakage from equipment, the use of non-compliant tools and utensils, and failure to provide necessary maintenance to cooling and heating equipment.

The mayoralty took strict measures against these violations, including issuing warnings, serving notices, imposing fines, and closing facilities that pose a direct threat to public health. The mayoralty reiterated its determination to continue monitoring those facilities, which pose a direct threat to public health.