Two weeks ago, the Riyadh Municipality launched the Food Safety in Summer program to inspect food outlets and to generate awareness among people.
"So far, our officials have visited more than 14,000 food outlets, which included hotels, restaurants and fast-food joints," said Soliman Al-Buthi, general manager of the Environmental Health Department for the Riyadh Municipality. There are 450 inspectors.
"They not only check the manner the foods are being prepared in the outlet but also ensure that the food is prepared by people with health certificates from the municipality," said Buthi. "We are also focusing on personal hygiene."
The inspectors are also performing lab tests on food samples and food preparers; the latter are being screened for infectious diseases, especially hepatitis, which is highly communicable.
Al-Buthi said the program would run up to the end of the holy month of Ramadan. During the campaign, pamphlets on food safety are being distributed in malls and other public places.
Al-Buthi advised owners of eateries to ensure that their employees are healthy and practice personal hygiene, such as trimming their nails regularly and frequently washing their hands with soap.
"The waiters should compulsorily wear caps and gloves when they prepare and handle foods for consumers," he added.
