Pakistan Hajj Mission ensures hygienic food supply to pilgrims through regular inspections

A pilgrim drinks Zamzam water at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on June 25, 2023, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP/File)

• Hajj Director Faheem Afridi says a total of 13 penalties have been imposed on eight catering firms to improve their service
• Pakistan has hired nine catering companies to fulfil demand of food for approximately 70,105 pilgrims under government scheme

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hajj Mission (PHM) has been conducting regular inspections of kitchens run by catering companies to ensure a hygienic food supply to pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage under the government’s scheme, Pakistani state media reported on Monday.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires every adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year, of which around 70,000 people will perform the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the rest will use private tour operators.
“Determined to maintain quality and hygiene, the PHM is conducting regular and periodic inspections of catering companies’ kitchens,” the state-run APP news agency reported.
A total of nine catering companies were hired to meet the demand of food for approximately 70,105 pilgrims, out of which more than 52,691 have so far arrived in Saudi Arabia via 205 flights since May 9, according to the report.
On Monday, Pakistan Hajj Mission Director in Makkah Faheem Afridi visited kitchens and stores of one of these nine catering companies responsible for preparing breakfast for Pakistani pilgrims.
Afridi said the Hajj mission was implementing an “effective mechanism to ensure food quality, with continuous oversight during food preparation and round-the-clock monitoring of kitchens by Pakistani food coordinators.”
The quality and quantity of food are rechecked when delivered to residential buildings and hotels where the pilgrims have been staying, according to the report. The daily menu includes Pakistani and continental cuisines, which are served thrice a day during flexible timings to avoid any kind of rush.
The PHM director said the mission had imposed penalties on catering firms that failed to ensure the quality of food.
“There have been a total of 13 penalties imposed on eight catering companies so far, most of which were aimed at improving food quality,” he said.
“If any complaints are received regarding meals through the Pak Hajj mobile app or helpline, the catering company is investigated and immediate action is taken.”
The Pakistani religious affairs ministry formed a balanced food menu keeping in view its experience of previous years, according to the official. The food includes meat, lentils, vegetables, rice, two types of bread, yoghurt, fruit, sweets, tea and water.
The Hajj director said Saudi authorities also ensured food quality and hygiene standards for catering companies, requesting pilgrims to cooperate with catering staff and ensure discipline.
On the other hand, a 400-member dedicated Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission (PHMM) is also working around the clock to serve Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan has established two hospitals and 11 dispensaries in the Saudi cities of Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah to provide health care to Hajj pilgrims.
This year’s pilgrimage is expected to run from June 14 to June 19. Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operation, which began on May 9, will continue until June 9.