Riyadh – The Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced the temporary closure of multiple branches of a food establishment following reports of food poisoning linked to its products.
The ministry’s statement, issued on Sunday, comes after social media and local news outlets widely circulated claims that a well-known Egyptian dessert chain in Saudi Arabia was forced to shut down due to an outbreak of foodborne illnesses.
The dessert chain, which has gained popularity across the Gulf region for its Egyptian-inspired sweets, is now under intense scrutiny as authorities investigate the claims.
Health and regulatory officials have reportedly seized food samples from the affected branches for laboratory analysis, while leading food delivery platforms such as Jahez and HungerStation have suspended the chain’s listings pending further developments.
Although the ministry did not explicitly name the brand in question, it confirmed that its municipal teams had promptly responded to public complaints by conducting field inspections and implementing regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding consumer health.
“The ministry, through its teams in various regions, has taken the necessary regulatory measures to address the reported complaints. Public health and safety remain our top priority,” the ministry’s statement read.
Authorities further assured the public that most of the suspected food poisoning cases have recovered, while the remaining individuals are receiving medical care and are reported to be in stable condition.
In collaboration with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the ministry stated that it has followed approved procedures in handling the reported cases and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
As part of its precautionary measures, officials have temporarily closed the dessert chain’s branches and manufacturing facilities until verification and analysis processes are completed.
The ministry emphasized that no final conclusions have been drawn yet, and the closures are a proactive step to prevent any further potential risks.
Public reaction to the incident has been swift, with consumers expressing concerns over food safety standards. Many took to social media to demand greater transparency from food establishments and stricter enforcement of hygiene regulations.
Some customers shared personal experiences of illness allegedly linked to the affected dessert products, further fueling the debate.
In its statement, the ministry urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information online and to rely solely on official sources for updates regarding the incident.
It reiterated its commitment to taking all necessary actions to ensure the safety of food products in the Kingdom and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The temporary closure of the dessert chain highlights the growing emphasis on food safety regulations in Saudi Arabia as authorities seek to uphold high standards in the food and beverage industry.
With investigations ongoing, officials are expected to release further findings once laboratory results are available. Until then, consumers and businesses alike are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to food safety guidelines to prevent potential health risks.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members