Saudi Arabia: Food quality checks stepped up in Mecca as Hajj nears

Cairo: Health authorities in Mecca are intensifying inspections of food facilities serving Muslim pilgrims, who are converging on the Saudi city in the lead-up to next month’s annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Teams are working around the clock to inspect pilgrims’ accommodations and collect samples from restaurants to ensure food safety and verify ingredients, including cooking oils and utensils.

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More than 2 million Muslims from around the world are expected to participate in the upcoming Hajj, with over 500,000 pilgrims having already arrived in Saudi Arabia, according to official figures.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.