Plastic bag violations see 354 bakeries, food shops shut down

JEDDAH: Jeddah Municipality on Wednesday closed 354 bakeries and food shops over violations involving the packaging of hot food in plastic bags.

The move followed the first inspection after a Feb. 28 deadline to comply with rules aimed at maintaining the safety of food.

On the first day of inspections, the municipality checked 716 bakeries and food shops in different districts.

Jeddah Municipality earlier launched a twomonth campaign against packaging hot food in plastic bags and containers that can contaminate food with harmful chemicals and damage health.

Mohammed Nasir Al-Matab, assistant secretary of the sub-municipalities, said Jeddah Municipality had sent circulars to food packing businesses, restaurants and bakeries, advising them not to use plastic bags and containers for hot food.

Al-Matab stressed that bakery workers should not pack bread in plastic bags when hot. Paper bags or tin containers that comply with international standards should be used instead, he added.

Jeddah Municipality confirmed continued inspections prevent irregularities.

The municipality earlier announced that there will be an immediate fine and closure of the food shops, restaurants, and bakeries that violated the law.