RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), during inspection tours in 2021, monitored about 503 violations related to non-compliance of facilities under its supervision with the precautionary and preventive measures to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

SFDA stated that its inspectors visited 12,236 facilities throughout the Kingdom, which resulted in monitoring violations related to the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The violations included not measuring the temperature of employees and customers upon entering the facility, not using a mask, not securing disinfectants and sterilizers in the places designated for them, and not requesting Tawakkalna app before entering the facility.

The violations also included to not applying precautionary measures. Those violations are referred to the Ministry of Interior to complete the necessary procedures against the violating facilities.

SFDA had issued a guideline that includes preventive requirements that help facilities for food, feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and medical devices in limiting the outbreak of COVID-19 and it contains a number of requirements that complement the approved Saudi specifications directed to these facilities, in addition to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health.

The guideline includes requirements for cleaning and sterilization, utensils and tools used in preparing food and workers in establishments, the importance of washing hands, and explaining the procedures for dealing and responding to infection of workers with COVID-19, in addition to the steps to isolate sick employees. — SPA