RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) intensified its field tours during the Hajj season to inspect factories, warehouses, and food and water distribution centers in Makkah and Madinah, in order to ensure food safety and monitor any practices that may affect the safety of pilgrims.

The authority works with committees of government agencies involved in the well-being of pilgrims to ensure that ideal conditions are created for the pilgrims to perform their rituals.

SFDA verifies whether the catering kitchens that prepare pre-cooked meals meet the requirements for such meals (frozen or refrigerated), which are specified in the guidelines issued by the authority.

SFDA also tracks the sources of foodstuffs to ensure the meals supplied to the pilgrims are safe at all stages of the food chain.

As part of its inspection tours, the authority seeks to increase the awareness of catering workers and to provide them with training programs to ensure food safety, personal hygiene and adherence to the requirements for food preparation and serving, in addition to raising awareness about the importance of preventing food poisoning, and of maintaining the cleanliness of kitchens, tools and equipment for food preparation.

Through its complementary work with government agencies to control food establishments during Hajj, SFDA hopes pilgrims will have the highest degree of satisfaction with the services provided to them. It works to ensure that approved standards are applied to keep food safe and that the meals meet the nutritional needs of pilgrims. — SPA