KSA approves rules for public utility facilities

Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Agriculture, Hamad Al-Khamshi, approved the guidelines for establishments located at public utility markets for vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and fish.

The guidelines shall be enforced as of the date of publication, and all relevant parties shall be notified for implementation. The guidelines supersede any previous conflicting regulations, according to Umm Al-Qura official newspaper.

Under the guidelines, establishments are required to have air or plastic curtains on external entrance doors, as well as natural or artificial lighting (or both) at the premises.

Artificial lighting should not alter the appearance of colors, and its intensity must suit the nature of operations. Light fixtures must be shatter-resistant or protected by covers in areas where they are directly exposed to food, equipment, utensils, or unsealed packaging materials.

A backup power generator must also be provided.