The Saudi Food and Drug Authority intensified its field tours during the Hajj season to ensure food safety

In order to assure food safety and keep an eye on any practices that could have an impact on pilgrims' safety, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) increased its field inspections of Makkah and Madinah's factories, warehouses, and food and water distribution centres during the Hajj season. To guarantee that the optimal circumstances are established for the pilgrims to carry out their rites, the authority collaborates with committees of governmental organisations concerned with their welfare.

The SFDA inspects catering facilities that create pre-cooked meals to ensure that they adhere to the specifications for such meals (frozen or refrigerated), as laid forth in the authority's published rules.

In order to guarantee the safety of the meals served to the pilgrims at every point in the food chain, the SFDA also keeps track of the sources of food.

In addition to raising awareness about the significance of preventing food poisoning and maintaining the cleanliness of kitchens, tools, and equipment for food preparation, the authority seeks to increase the awareness of catering workers and to provide them with training programmes to ensure food safety, personal hygiene, and adherence to the requirements for food preparation and serving.

The SFDA seeks to give pilgrims with the maximum level of satisfaction with the services they receive through its complimentary cooperation with government authorities to regulate food enterprises during Hajj. It works to guarantee that authorised standards are followed to maintain the safety of the food and that the pilgrims' dietary needs are met by the meals.