RIYADH — The major cities of the Kingdom are crowded with a large number of restaurants that cause traffic jams at several locations due to a lack of coordination between municipalities, local traffic department and other concerned bodies, Al-Riyadh daily reported. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs recently wrote to all municipalities on the necessity of intensifying inspections of food outlets to ensure they are adhering to health regulations. The objective was to ensure workers at all food outlets obtain health certificates confirming they are free from contagious diseases, especially with the holy month of Ramadan drawing near. During the holy month, health violations in restaurants increase because they overstock food to meet the great consumer demand. Khaled Al-Odhailah said an increase in the number of restaurants have caused congestion on the main streets. He said restaurants serve customers late into the night. Saudi national Mishary Al-Askar stressed the importance of relevant ministries in organizing inspections of restaurants. He called for these restaurants to be subject to surprise inspections, especially to catch workers who may be working in the country illegally. Nahar Al-Sabah, another Saudi national, said the lack of inspectors has contributed to the burgeoning number of restaurants. He demanded the municipalities and local authorities employ more inspectors. “If they cannot do this, then the authorities should employ students from universities and health institutes temporarily to work as health supervisors in the evening or through annual contracts or part-time work. “They can also seek the help of scouts, who can work as volunteers.”
