Ministry requires permits for online sale of food items

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Commerce and Investment will penalize those who sell food products via social media accounts without obtaining necessary permits and licenses from the ministry due to the possibility that food poisoning may occur from some of the items sold.
Marketing of food products from unknown sources on social media is considered commercial fraud, said the ministry, considering that such foods may not be prepared in accordance with approved health standards and specifications.
In a statement on Sunday, the ministry said “punishment includes a fine of up to SR1 million, jail of up to three years, or both, if proven that products were produced or adulterated in a way harmful to human health.”
Consumers may file a complaint with the ministry, which will forward the claim to the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution after completion of regulatory procedures. The violator will be investigated and the claim submitted for criminal proceedings before judicial authorities.
This comes as citizens have brought attention to the fact that Ramadan has been transformed into a platform to sell large quantities and types of food products in public places and on social media.
For his part, the spokesman for Jeddah Municipality, Engineer Omar Al-Humaidan, said the municipality has nothing to do with the sale of food products through social media or online, indicating that there are clear warnings from the ministry regarding this issue.