Saudi Arabia issues official statement on closure of popular Egyptian restaurants
Saudi officials have issued a statement clarifying concerns from the public following reports of food poisoning cases in Saudi Arabia related to a popular Egyptian restaurant.
Saudi social media was abuzz with reports on 'the closure of all branches of a popular Egyptian dessert restaurant following food poisoning cases,' RT reported on Sunday.
Users posted numerous videos from various regions showing the sudden closure of Egyptian 'B.Laban' shops, including in Riyadh, Khobar, and Mecca.
Following this, the Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing issued a clarification statement: 'Regarding what has been circulated over the closure of branches of a food establishment, the Ministry clarifies that, through the efforts of its secretariats in some regions, it has directly addressed the reports received in this regard through field inspection teams.'
'The necessary measures have been taken in accordance with regulatory procedures that ensure the safety and health of all, noting that most of the suspected cases of food poisoning have recovered, while the remaining cases are receiving the necessary healthcare and are in stable condition.'
'In conjunction with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, it processed the reports received regarding these cases and dealt with them in accordance with the applicable regulatory procedures at the time. The necessary precautionary measures were taken.'
It explained that these measures 'included the precautionary closure of the facility's factories and branches pending the completion of verification and analysis.'
The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing emphasized that, 'Consumer health and safety are a top priority, and that it is continuing to coordinate with relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of food products provided.'
The ministry called for accuracy in disseminating information and referring to approved official sources.
The Saudi Ministry did not officially specify the exact name of the food establishment that was closed.
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