Saudi Arabia's Nazaha Authority Holds Negligent Food Establishment Inspectors Accountable for Riyadh's Clostridium Botulinum Outbreak
The Saudi Arabian Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, Nazaha, has announced that anyone found negligent in ensuring public health and safety during the recent food poisoning incident in Riyadh will be held accountable.
Obstruction of the investigation and concealment of crucial information regarding the cause of the poisoning will also result in measures being taken.
The incident, which occurred at the end of April, resulted in several hospitalizations and one death, and was linked to the consumption of food from a Hamburgini fast-food restaurant.
A Saudi Food and Drug Authority laboratory test later found clostridium botulinum in the Bon Tum mayonnaise brand used by the food chain.
The text reports that the distribution of a mayonnaise product was suspended and withdrawn from markets and food facilities in the Kingdom due to potential health risks.
Initial investigations by Nazaha, the food safety authority, revealed attempts to conceal or destroy evidence, suggesting collusion by some unscrupulous inspectors.
The authorities have vowed to hold all responsible officials accountable, regardless of position, for any negligence or delayed actions that may have contributed to the situation or hindered response efforts.
A high-level committee was established to oversee the implementation of directives following a food poisoning incident.
Comprehensive reports were produced around the clock, including laboratory analyses and medical care details.
Precise testing identified the type and cause of the poisoning, and the incident has been contained and resolved.