Saudi authorities have closed 84 businesses in Riyadh following a comprehensive crackdown on food safety violations. The campaign, initiated by the city’s mayoralty in collaboration with security forces and other agencies, reflects an intensified drive to protect consumers and maintain quality standards across the capital’s bustling food sector.TL;DR:
- 84 establishments, including food outlets, butcher shops, cafés, street vendors, and warehouses were shut down for breaches of
food safety regulations . - 31,000 products confiscated, 531 warnings issued, power disconnected at 11 sites, and over 400 violations recorded.
- Campaign spotlighted the Manfuha district and was aided by resident reports via the “Madinaty” mobile app.
Details of the operation
During the recent campaign, officials targeted a wide variety of businesses in Riyadh, focusing particularly on the densely populated Manfuha neighbourhood famed for its commercial activity. Restaurants, café s, street vendors, butcheries, and makeshift storage sites came under close inspection for compliance with food safety codes.As a result, inspectors issued 531 formal warnings, cut the electricity supply to 11 operations, and seized more than 31,000 items that were found to be unfit for human consumption. Among the goods destroyed were over 5,300kg of unsafe food and 25kg of illegal tobacco products. In total, more than 400 regulatory breaches were documented across the campaign.
Community engagement and digital monitoring
The crackdown was partly sparked by consumer complaints received through the “Madinaty” mobile app, which empowers residents to report suspicious or unhealthy practices directly to municipal authorities. This community-driven oversight has proven central to the success of the campaign and is seen as critical for future enforcement efforts.Officials noted that these closures and penalties are part of broader ongoing efforts to protect public health, ensure market integrity, and regulate the growing food industry in Riyadh. Further, the city’s mayoralty is rolling out enhanced digital monitoring systems to support continued daily and periodic inspections throughout the capital.Saudi officials emphasize that food safety and public welfare remain a top priority, and urge residents to remain vigilant by using the city’s reporting app. With persistent inspections and stronger digital oversight, Riyadh aims to raise standards and ensure every consumer’s safety and confidence in the local food market.
FAQ
- 1. How many businesses were closed in Riyadh for food safety violations?
A total of 84 businesses, including food outlets, butchers, cafés, and vendors, were shut down. - 2. What types of violations were found during the inspections?
More than 400 violations were recorded, including unsafe food, improper storage, and use of illegal tobacco products. - 3. How was the public involved in the campaign?
Residents reported suspected breaches using the “Madinaty” mobile app, which helped authorities target trouble spots. - 4. What happens to confiscated unsafe products?
In the campaign, over 31,000 products were seized and more than 5,300kg of food and 25kg of tobacco were destroyed to protect public health.