Saudi- Jeddah Municipality shuts down 40 restaurants

(MENAFN- Arab News) The Jeddah Municipality has ordered immediate closure and fines on 40 restaurants for violations found during an inspection raid on 150 restaurants in Madinah. Ahmad Al-Badani, director of foodstuff control at the municipality, said they conduct regular inspection tours of restaurants in Madinah to ensure that they comply with hygiene and public health requirements. "We had informed these restaurants of these findings during earlier inspection rounds and had given them time to rectify the problem. The 40 restaurants that we imposed fines on were found to continue to be in violation of health requirements and failed to secure proper equipment," he said. "We noticed that many buildings lacked proper ventilation for food preparation areas and had damaged flooring and inadequate equipment. In addition, we found that several workers did not have health certificates and some did not wear gloves or masks while making food," he said. He urged citizens and residents to report public health violations they notice at restaurants. "Please call 940 if you notice anything objectionable," he said.