Saudi authorities have confiscated nine tons of onions, stored in an unhealthy and insecure environment in Mecca, Saudi media reported.
“Inspection teams have confiscated 9,600kg of onions, following a tip-off by a Saudi citizen. The onion was stored by a number of illegal workers in a yard in the Al Khansaa neighborhood of Mecca, that lacks the minimum health and hygiene requirements,” Engineer Yasser bin Saleh Makkawi, head of Maabdah municipality, said.
Makkawi added 7,600kg of rotten onions were destroyed for poor storage and 2,000kg were delivered to the Ikram Charity Association after ensuring its safety.
The vehicle used to transport the onions was seized and the site owner was summoned to take all legal actions against the violators.
Makkawi added that the municipal authorities have intensified inspections and are taking preventive measures to ensure the safety of the product for citizens and residents, calling upon members of the public to report any violations by dialling the toll free number 940.
