The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has shut down a factory in Hail which was manufacturing food products with materials that were well past the expiry date.

The ministry’s inspectors also seized 895 imitation rice bags each carrying 10 kg which were ready for distribution in the market.

They also found laborers packing Indian rice in bags with some other labels in unhygienic conditions. The ministry has ordered an investigation into the matter.

The inspectors also found that the factory did not observe any of the regulations governing food production, besides violating several rules pertaining to packing and warehousing. A strong stench from a sewage center had also engulfed the building. The factory did not take any measures to prevent dust and insects from entering the building and contaminating the food products.

The ministry recently launched a Kingdom-wide inspection campaign in factories, warehouses and commercial establishments to ensure quality of commodities being sold to customers.

The ministry affirmed that it would continue to inspect food markets and warehouses to make sure that they adhered to all rules regulations and did not indulge in fraudulent practices. It will not be lenient toward anyone found involved in commercial frauds to cheat customers.