Jeddah Mayoralty shut down 780 restaurants last month that were charged with violating health code regulations, while it issued another 5,230 eateries with citations regarding hygiene and health issues. Dr. Basheer Abu Najm, director of commercial licenses and monitoring in the Mayoralty, said in the month of Jumada I (last month) more than 7,210 restaurants including canteens and fast food eateries were inspected for health and hygiene criteria and 780 of them were shut down indefinitely. To assist the general public, visible signs will be posted on the entrance doors of all restaurants detailing the requirements restaurants should meet to be considered hygienically risk-free. These include: workers should carry health permits, and wear uniforms and gloves which should be changed regularly for safety and health reasons. Kitchen staff must wear protective masks and the premise shall have the necessary cleaning tools. Customers should report any suspected violations to the hotline number shown on stickers. Dr. Abu Najm announced that the Mayoralty will hold the second food forum in the next few weeks to raise public awareness about food safety. Many experts from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, mayoralties of governorates, and health and safety experts from different sectors are expected to participate in the forum. __
