RIYADH, 12 January 2003 — An investigation committee at the Ministry of Commerce has dismissed the charges against a Saudi food supply contractor, a source at the ministry told Arab News.
The Ministry of Finance and National Economy had accused the contractor of fraud and a breach of contract. However, the committee investigating the case found no evidence to substantiate the charges.
According to the contract, fresh meat of a defined quality was to be supplied daily to the Yamamah Hospital for Women and Children in Riyadh. The committee said there was no evidence that the quality of meat differed from the contractual requirements. Another charge was that the contractor had supplied frozen meat to the hospital instead of fresh meat.
The Ministry of Health complained to the Ministry of Commerce after a primary investigation into the allegations. The contractor was then banned from receiving any government contracts for the next five years and the existing contract with the hospital was canceled.
Encouraged by the Ministry of Commerce’s findings, the contractor has appealed the Finance Ministry’s action against him. The committee’s decision, which has the approval of Minister of Commerce Osama Faqeeh is legally binding on other departments.
