Recently, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in Saudi Arabia announced new penalties. They announced that a person will be liable to pay a fine of SAR5,000 if they are found smoking in undesignated areas at food outlets. As it happens, these new penalties have been announced for tightening health and safety standards in the food sector. Here’s all you need to know about this development.
SAR5,000 Fine For Smoking In Food Outlet
As revealed in a report by the Gulf News, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has now announced that if a person is found smoking in undesignated areas at food outlets, they will be liable to pay a fine of SAR5,000. Additionally, stringent measures have also been taken for targeting and hygienic practices. These also extend to deceptive sales and non-compliance with food safety rules. With the aim of making food more hygienic and ensuring there is consumer protection, these measures are being taken.
Fines For Other Reasons As Well
Not only for this, but workers in food preparation areas can also face a fine of SAR1,000 if they don’t wear their face masks. Additionally, they will also have to pay SAR1,000 if they fail to cover their heads. Food delivery workers must also comply with the rule of wearing the company uniform. Failing to comply with this, they will have to pay a fine of SAR500.
Not only this, but there are also rules regarding frozen fruit juices. Yes, if a business serves frozen fruit juice while claiming that it has been freshly prepared, it will also face a penalty of SAR1,000. And if workers at a food establishment are caught touching their nose or mouth or even spitting, they will be fined up to SAR2,000.
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It should be noted that these measures are aimed at protecting public health and also safeguarding consumers and ensuring transparency, especially when it comes to the food supply chain.
So, food establishments and delivery companies must comply with all the new rules and regulations, or they will have to pay the safety list of fines.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/rattanakun (Images are for representative purposes only)
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