Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, has ordered a clampdown on the work of unmonitored charities that distribute meals at the Grand Mosque and said they must not be allowed to carry out their work without official approval from the Al-Siqaya and Al-Rifada Committee. Safi Mujallid of the committee said the move would put a stop to unofficial societies and agencies that advertise breakfast (Iftar) meals or seek donations for charity meals, and that written approval from the committee would now be required to conduct such activities. “Non-specialized charities will be banned from working,” Mujallid said. According to Mujallid, the Al-Siqaya and Al-Rifada Committee has specific regulations for charity meals handed out to visitors at the Grand Mosque and the holy sites during the religious seasons which specify that meals should contain a minimum of three items and no more than five, among them fresh juice, long-life milk and drinking water. Meals, which must also be properly machine-wrapped and easy to open, may not include cooked food, fruit, Laban or carbonated soft drinks. Bottles must be made of materials other than glass or metal. All food products, according to the regulations, are to be supplied via refrigerator vehicles for preservation during transportation.
