​​SFDA placed a number of recommendations and solutions to prevent irregularities in the subsistence kitchens in Makkah, and food facilities within the scope of Makkah and Medina.

SFDA confirmed in a study on food Safety and evaluate food establishments and their personnel, the importance of intensifying inspection work on the approved subsistence kitchens, food facilities specially during evening periods because irregularities is increasing at that time, with the right to crack down fast food facilities are in unlicensed locations.

SFDA offered study during a workshop held in Makkah recently titled: "The role of regulatory authorities, nutrition companies and subsistence to reduce food poisoning incidents during the Hajj season."

The study was prepared in two parts, the first is to visit approved kitchens subsistence in the holy capital they were 66, with the participation of the Secretariat of the Holy City and the Ministry of Health and the Institute of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj Research, second part visited 3000 food facility within the scope of the secretariats of the capital and the holy city of Medina.

The study aimed to identify the health status of food establishments that provide meals for the pilgrims in both Makkah and Medina, and to identify technical and health shortcomings in this type of activities, and to make recommendations and proposals to develop and put these food establishments in coordination with the parties responsible for monitoring them, to raise their efficiency and enhance their ability to apply the health and technical requirements to ensure the production of Food meals free of any poisoning pathogens.

Field studies concluded that 28% of employees in kitchens subsistence in Mecca don’t hold any health certificates.

With regard to the results of field studies on food establishments in Makkah, it shows that employment rate with no health certificates in local restaurants and kitchens is 12%, fast food and 10%, and Buffet and juices 13%, and food warehouses 8%, and other food establishments 15%.

The percentage of commitment workers to health requirements in local restaurants and kitchens 54%, fast food shops and 49%, and buffet and juices 49%, and 26% of food warehouses, and other food establishments 60%

In Medina, SFDA staff in field studies record irregularities food establishments, including employees without obtaining health certificates in kitchens subsistence 4%, and in local restaurants and kitchens 10%, and in the fast food shops 8%, and in juice buffet 7%, and in food warehouses 27%, and in other food establishments 11%.

It was found that the proportion of commitment to health requirements in kitchens subsistence 80%, local kitchens and restaurants 62%, fast food and 63%, and buffet and juices 59%, and 18% of food warehouses, and other food establishments 47%

It turned out that during the study of a number of food establishments that they have other unlicensed sites (yards, cellar, etc.), which is requires to apply strict actions against these facilities and it will not be approved as subsistence in the coming seasons.

The study called for intensification of inspection tours to subsistence kitchens before the Hajj season, on the period of Ramadan to the beginning of the pilgrimage season, which it will contributes to correct and notes the irregularities.

SFDA confirmed the obligation on subsistence companies to apply effective self-censorship programs as a condition of adoption and to reduce the unhealthy behaviors of employees of food establishments that may be the result of ignorance of some minimum health requirements and the importance of compliance.

SFDA pointed out that the irregularity of establishments increases during the evening periods, which is requires authorities to intensify work during that period.

HE SFDA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Almishal, recently held the first meeting of the Committee for the pilgrimage in SFDA for 1436 with the presence of concerned representatives of its executive sectors and departments.

Al Mishal said during the meeting, which was held in Riyadh, that SFDA is proud to service the pilgrims through tasks that it will perform during the pilgrimage season according to the vision and directives of the Supreme Hajj Committee, headed by the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz.

He confirmed that SFDA is working to ensure food safety, and the safety and effectiveness of drugs and medical devices for the pilgrims, in addition to providing important guidance to ensure food safety and meat of sacrificial animals during the Hajj season, and methods of prevention of food poisoning and diseases transmitted by food.

The meeting discussed the obstacles faced by the participants during the Hajj season 1435H, in addition to see participated sectors and the proposals and awareness programs which SFDA intends to submit for the pilgrimage season, and the way to success along with other government agencies participating in pilgrimage.