Riyadh: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Hajj Operations Center serves around the clock as a central point of contact to support field teams and ensure rapid responses to reports throughout the Hajj season, reflecting the SFDA’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims, as well as the generous care and unwavering concern of the Kingdom’s leadership for the comfort and well-being of all pilgrims.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the center delivers a range of quality services, including constant coordination with government entities to enhance collaborative efforts, monitoring operational procedures and performance metrics, and analyzing and reporting data to inform decision-making, improve efficiency, and promote continuous development. It also provides specialized technical and on-the-ground support to inspectors during their duties, including technical and legal consultations.
The center supports field teams during their inspection and monitoring visits to food and drug facilities under SFDA supervision, ensuring the safety of products before they reach the holy sites. This is facilitated by automating projects and daily operations through an interactive electronic platform designed to standardize data entry and enhance analysis, presentation, monitoring, and information sharing.
The SFDA maintains a presence in seven key locations, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, the Government Departments Complex at the holy sites, and its branches in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
In line with the authority’s commitment to rapid response to food safety concerns, the center promptly relays reports to the nearest inspector via smart systems, streamlining and accelerating effective intervention. It also issues direct violations and legal rulings against offenders directly from the center.
The Hajj Operations Center embodies the SFDA’s dedication to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for pilgrims through a highly precise oversight system that uses the latest technical and regulatory tools, ultimately aiming for a Hajj season free of food and drug hazards.
