Riyadh Municipality, in collaboration with security forces and several government agencies, has intensified its inspection campaign in the Manfouha neighborhood in response to multiple reports received through the "Madinati" app regarding severe violations affecting food safety and product quality.
The campaign targeted food establishments, meat shops, cafés, street vendors, and residential properties that had been converted into storage warehouses for food products. It also included establishments selling tobacco products, as the neighborhood is known for its high population density and diverse commercial activity.
The campaign resulted in the closure of 84 establishments, the issuance of 531 violation notices, the disconnection of electricity to 11 sites, and the confiscation and destruction of 31,620 unfit products. Authorities also destroyed 25 kg of tobacco products, 5,322 kg of food items, impounded 16 vehicles, and recorded 402 violations by participating government agencies.
Inspection teams uncovered various serious violations, including the sale of unlicensed tobacco products, spoiled food that was on its way to consumers, expired personal care products, poor hygiene standards, unsafe food storage practices likely to cause contamination or spoilage, the use of homes as food warehouses, the sale of rotten meat, and the display of counterfeit tobacco products in unauthorized locations. Additional violations were linked to licensing and municipal requirements.
The Municipality has taken strict measures in response to these violations, including issuing warnings, preparing violation reports, imposing fines, and closing establishments that pose a direct threat to public health. These actions aim to protect consumers and prevent the recurrence of such practices.
This campaign is part of an ongoing inspection plan involving daily and periodic tours in areas with high commercial activity. The Municipality continues to monitor violating establishments post-campaign to ensure corrective actions are taken. Modern digital systems are being used to accurately document and track violations, enabling rapid intervention and resolution.
The Municipality also highlighted the availability of easy reporting channels through the " Madinati " app, which allows users to submit reports with geolocation data and images. Field teams respond to these reports promptly. The Municipality emphasized that citizen and resident cooperation is vital to the success of such campaigns, reflecting a community partnership to maintain a safe urban environment, ensure service quality, and achieve sustainable urban development goals. This aligns with the Municipality's vision to enhance quality of life in the capital.