RIYADH: Authorities shut down two factories and seized more than 30,000 bottles of syrup intended to be sold as pure honey, in warehouses in the south of Riyadh. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) ordered all sold quantities to be returned and refunded accordingly.

Following complaints received from members of the public, an inspection team from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry closed down the Sidrat Al-Shifa plant which produced syrup under the name of “Al-Wadi Nectar,” and another plant dubbed “Nectar Drops,” which produced syrup as well but sold in the local market as pure honey.

The two factories, which were located in the Aziziyah District and Al-Kharj Province, 80km from the capital, had not obtained industrial licenses to operate in the Kingdom. Besides the production of syrup, the two companies also violated

provisions of the Anti-Commercial Fraud, Brand-Name and Industrial Licensing system.

The ministry said it will continue to inspect food stores, and commercial and industrial entities to eliminate all dangers of fraudulent practices.

Moreover, it will penalize violators by announcing their names, among other measures, it added

The ministry will not hesitate in imposing legal penalties on offenders and those involved in the practice of fraud, and anything that puts the health and safety of consumers at risk.

MCI calls on consumers to lodge their complaints and observations through the toll free number 1900, or through the application of a Commercial Notification.