Protecting people’s health is the Kingdom’s top priority. I am not going to mention the international chart that ranks countries according to the different health services that they provide.
The Health Ministry and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry are also concerned with protecting people’s health. This was clear when the Ministry of Commerce issued a circular warning about the tainted taheena produced by some companies. This warning was not only published in newspapers, but was also widely distributed through SMS messages by members of the public warning each other about the product.
These warnings about carcinogenic ingredients did mention not only taheena (sesame sauce), but also other products, including a type of body lotion that is used to whiten the skin and that is sold in pharmacies. Before that, there were some warnings issued about certain hair dyes that contain ingredients that cause cancer. The authorities also issued memos prohibiting newspapers from publishing advertisements for these products. In fact, it may be the case that there are other popular products that are harmful to people and which the authorities do not know about available in the local market.
I visited a local shop in Madinah that sells products that I know are harmful to women. I warned women in the shop about these products and even spoke to the shopkeeper about the dangers of these items. No one reacted to what I had to say and did not believe me. Who is going to protect women, especially those who are illiterate and cannot read newspaper reports about these products? Is it the responsibility of the municipalities? Or is it the responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce?
In the same way we were warned about the dangers of taheena, we need similar warnings to be issued about other products that are still sold in many shops. We need regulations that limit the damage and a system of immediate punishment needs to be implemented. Where is the protection for consumers? Are there any rules and regulations that penalize those who import such poisonous products into the Kingdom?
Media awareness is very important and needs to reach all consumers, especially women since most products target them. The same way businessmen advertise their harmful products in glossy magazines the authorities need to advertise in these magazines to warn people about the harms of these products.
It is not enough that a mere report is published in newspapers because people tend to read them and then forget. There must be a system of strategic cooperation between the chambers of commerce, consumer protection agencies and officials from the Health Ministry to monitor what is sold in pharmacies and protect the health of the general public.
