Irbid: Inspection teams in Irbid province confiscated 313 kilograms of meat unfit for consumption during a routine inspection on Tuesday, shutting down three butcher shops, officials said.
According to Jordan News Agency, Ali Hawamdeh, Assistant Governor of Irbid for Health and Public Safety, stated that the seized meat was destroyed and legal action was taken against the shop owners. He emphasized that authorities would not tolerate any violations affecting public food safety.
"The Public Health and Safety Committee follows strict guidelines in handling food-related matters, which are considered a red line and a top priority," Hawamdeh noted, adding that inspections will continue both morning and evening to prevent violations.
Hawamdeh highlighted that since the beginning of Ramadan, authorities have seized expired food products and unsafe meat, closed businesses violating the sanctity of the holy month, and issued warnings to dozens of establishments over health violations.
He urged residents to cooperate with the inspection committee comprising representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, the municipal health department, and the Industry and Trade Directorate, and to report any food safety concerns. He assured that all reports would be handled confidentially, with immediate action taken where necessary.
In a separate action, authorities also removed 30 street violations, including unlicensed stalls and encroachments on public sidewalks and roads in Irbid's commercial district, during an intensive inspection on Tuesday.
The governorate will continue cracking down on unauthorized street vendors blocking roads or occupying roundabouts, removing obstructions that hinder traffic and pose risks to pedestrians and drivers, Hawamdeh added. "Regulatory authorities will not allow violations that infringe on public spaces and citizens' rights," he said.
He called on residents to actively contribute to preserving streets and sidewalks, emphasizing that maintaining public property is a shared responsibility.
Ahead of Ramadan, Irbid's executive council unified inspection efforts to ensure food safety and public health compliance throughout the holy month, Hawamdeh mentioned.