The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently addressed misinformation regarding the consumption of meat during the withdrawal period, stating that it does not cause liver and kidney diseases in humans, including cancerous tumors. The withdrawal period is the minimum time that must pass between the administration of veterinary medicine to an animal and the slaughter or production of food from that animal. The ministry emphasized that the withdrawal period varies depending on the active ingredient and method of administration, and is based on specific guidelines for different types of medicines.
As part of their efforts to ensure the safety of meat products, the ministry, along with the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, is conducting inspections at slaughterhouses across the Kingdom. Over 1,050 veterinarians are overseeing more than 380 slaughterhouses, examining over 22,000 carcasses daily to ensure they are free of diseases, injuries, or traces of injections, and are safe for human consumption. They are particularly vigilant in ensuring that animals have not been injected with any veterinary preparations before slaughter.
Citizens and residents are encouraged to have their animals slaughtered in official slaughterhouses that are regulated and supervised by the Ministry and WEQAA. These slaughterhouses are equipped to meet safety standards and have veterinarians on site to ensure compliance with regulations. Additionally, the ministry collaborates with WEQAA to monitor the use of veterinary products in the animal health sector and conducts inspections at outlets selling veterinary preparations to educate consumers on withdrawal periods and safety measures.
Regulatory authorities in the Kingdom maintain strict standards for the clearance of veterinary medicines and oversee the operations of veterinary pharmacies to ensure compliance with storage conditions and expiration dates. The ministry conducts field supervision of veterinary pharmacies to enforce regulations and guarantee the quality and safety of medicines. It is crucial for establishments to adhere to these standards to protect public health and prevent the spread of diseases through the consumption of contaminated meat products.
In conclusion, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is working diligently to ensure the safety of meat products in the Kingdom by monitoring the use of veterinary medicines and conducting inspections at slaughterhouses and veterinary pharmacies. By implementing strict regulations and guidelines, they aim to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with the consumption of meat during the withdrawal period. Citizens and residents are encouraged to support these efforts by choosing official slaughterhouses for the slaughter of their animals and being aware of the importance of following withdrawal periods for veterinary medicines to safeguard their health and well-being.
