Madinah: The Madinah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched the operational plan for this year's Hajj season in the region. The plan aims to intensify round-the-clock field inspections at fruit and vegetable markets, livestock markets, and slaughterhouses under the supervision of specialists and veterinarians to enhance compliance with health and environmental requirements.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Director General of the branch Ayman Al-Sayed stated that field teams operate continuously to monitor licenses and agricultural records and conduct laboratory testing of incoming agricultural products to ensure their safety and absence of diseases and pests.
He added that teams also inspect slaughtered livestock at abattoirs, ensure meat safety, monitor animal enclosures, exclude livestock showing signs of illness, and ensure proper environmentally sound waste disposal.
Al-Sayed affirmed that inspection teams at livestock markets and slaughterhouses oversee the implementation of animal welfare regulations and adherence to hygiene and public health standards. The teams also supervise six main slaughterhouses, more than 200 livestock enclosures, and 106 feed warehouses.
He noted that the branch has organized designated temporary locations for mobile livestock sellers, ensured the display of slaughtering price lists at all abattoirs, provided guidance signage for beneficiaries, and prepared access points for persons with disabilities.
Al-Sayed added that field operations related to monitoring, data collection, and disease control in public markets and slaughterhouses are electronically tracked through the Midani application to enhance and automate workflow procedures.
These efforts come as part of the branch's work to raise the readiness of inspection and service operations during the Hajj season by leveraging all human, technical, and technological resources to deliver optimal services to pilgrims, residents, and visitors of Madinah Region, while ensuring efficient regulatory processes, food safety, and public health protection.
