RIYADH: Authorities seized around 60,000 counterfeit and expired consumer items in Makkah, Madinah and Taif, places frequented by pilgrims during the Haj season.

The seized products include adulterated food items, shampoos, detergents and foodstuff.

The Ministry of Commerce and Investment has launched an inspection campaign to ensure adequate availability of quality consumer goods for Hajis.

A ministry official said the food items were stored in conditions that violate health regulations in Makkah.

In Makkah, some 1,062 goods were seized, including 66 counterfeit items of well-known brands, and 996 varieties of counterfeit goods, including foodstuffs.

In Taif, the control teams confiscated 44,000 packets of shampoo that had expired, and about 2,000 soap powders for washing clothes that were also expired.

In Madinah, the teams closed a warehouse where they found counterfeit consumer products such as shampoos and face creams, numbering some 15,000 items.

Early this week, over 140,000 expired food items including 3,000 baby milk formulas, were seized from warehouses before they could be distributed to the shops in Makkah during Haj.

He said the practice of storing expired medicines and damaged medical items will also be checked.

“All items were seized in preparation to be destroyed, and all workers, along with the owners, are under investigation. They face statutory penalties.”

The official said raids are being conducted at the holy sites, where the shops and outlets are mostly frequented by pilgrims. The plan also includes intensive inspections of jewelry and precious metals shops, gas stations and auto workshops.

The ministry’s plan also covers mobile shops, commercial refrigerators and food trucks.